Intra-variability in IB4- and IB4+ DRG neurons: a population of models study

Abstract

[EN] The neural action potential (AP) depends on the level of expression of the different channel families, decisively influencing neuronal excitability. Since the experimental study of these phenomena has considerable limitations, the contributions of computational models are increasingly useful. In this study, a population of models of cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons has been developed allowing the identification of parameter sets that give rise to APs congruent with the experimental ones regarding two types of DRG neurons: IB4- and IB4+. The results show a high degree of consistency with the experimental results reproducing the greater excitability of IB4- DRG neurons over IB4+ neurons. The intra-species APs have been successfully simulated by considering the intrinsic variability of the expression levels of the different families of channels. This methodology allows the determination of the correct ion channel expression levels to model the neuron AP.