" ... Finally, we used simulations of our experimental observations in morphologically realistic models to estimate spine neck resistance. These simulations indicated that spine neck resistance ranges up to ~500 M Ohm. Spine neck resistances of this magnitude reduce somatic EPSPs by ~15%, indicating that the spine neck is unlikely to act as a physical device to significantly modify synaptic strength."

Model Type: Neuron or other electrically excitable cell

Model Concept(s): Active Dendrites; Influence of Dendritic Geometry; Synaptic Integration

Simulation Environment: NEURON

Implementer(s): Morse, Tom [Tom.Morse at Yale.edu]; Stuart, Greg J. [greg.stuart at anu.edu.au]

References:

Palmer LM, Stuart GJ. (2009). Membrane potential changes in dendritic spines during action potentials and synaptic input. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience. 29 [PubMed]