[Analog-spike conversion in myelinated fibers. Role of potassium channels in digital coding]

Abstract

Possible role of Ranvier node membrane fast and slow potassium channels in analog-to-digital transformation was studied. Rhythmic activity was computed in modified mathematical Dodge-Hill's model. Taking into account the slow channels contribution makes it possible to reproduce a special type of transformation in the model: numeric coding, whereas on account of varying the reversal potential for current through the slow channels, an optimal setting of the electrically excitable membrane to a certain range of stimulating current is possible. The existence of two types of potassium channels differing by their gating as well as selective properties seems to provide one of the ionic mechanisms for conjugation of properties of both the electrically excitable and receptor membranes.