We used a previously published model of the dentate gyrus with varying degrees of mossy fibre sprouting.We preformed a sensitivity analysis where we systematically varied individual properties of ion channels. The results predict that genetic variations in the properties of sodium channels are likely to have the biggest impact on network excitability. Furthermore, these changes may be as small as 1mV, which is currently undetectable using standard experimental practices.

Model Type: Realistic Network

Cell Type(s): Dentate gyrus granule GLU cell; Dentate gyrus mossy cell; Dentate gyrus basket cell; Dentate gyrus hilar cell

Currents: I A; I K; I K,leak; I Sodium; I Calcium

Receptors: GabaA; AMPA

Transmitters: Gaba; Glutamate

Model Concept(s): Epilepsy

Simulation Environment: parplex

Implementer(s): Thomas, Evan [evan at evan-thomas.net]

References:

Thomas EA, Reid CA, Berkovic SF, Petrou S. (2009). Prediction by modeling that epilepsy may be caused by very small functional changes in ion channels. Archives of neurology. 66 [PubMed]