"... We introduce and validate new computational tools that enable efficient generation and simulation of models containing stochastic ion channels distributed across dendritic and axonal membranes. Comparison of five morphologically distinct neuronal cell types reveals that when all simulated neurons contain identical densities of stochastic ion channels, the amplitude of stochastic membrane potential fluctuations differs between cell types and depends on sub-cellular location. ..." The code is downloadable and more information is available at <a href="http://www.psics.org/">http://www.psics.org/</a>

Model Type: Neuron or other electrically excitable cell; Synapse; Channel/Receptor

Cell Type(s): Dentate gyrus granule GLU cell; Hippocampus CA1 pyramidal GLU cell; Substantia nigra pars compacta DA cell; Neocortex L5/6 pyramidal GLU cell; Cerebellum Purkinje GABA cell

Currents: I Na,t; I A; I K; I h

Model Concept(s): Action Potential Initiation; Dendritic Action Potentials; Influence of Dendritic Geometry; Detailed Neuronal Models

Simulation Environment: PSICS

References:

Cannon RC, O'Donnell C, Nolan MF. (2010). Stochastic ion channel gating in dendritic neurons: morphology dependence and probabilistic synaptic activation of dendritic spikes. PLoS computational biology. 6 [PubMed]