THE ROLE OF A TRANSIENT POTASSIUM CURRENT IN A BURSTING NEURON MODEL

Presented here is a biophysical cell model which can exhibit low-frequ ency repetitive activity and bursting behavior. The model is developed from previous models (Av-Ron et al. 1991, 1993) for excitability, osc illations and bursting. A stepwise development of the present model sh ows the contribution of a transient potassium current (I-A) to the ove rall dynamics. By changing a limited set of model parameters one can d escribe different firing patterns; oscillations with frequencies rangi ng from 2-200 Hz and a wide range of bursting behaviors in terms of th e durations of bursting and quiescence, peak firing frequency and rate of change of the firing frequency.