Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

Contribution of the Na+/K+ Pump to Rhythmic Bursting, Explored with Modeling and Dynamic Clamp Analyses
Published on: May 9, 2021
Cooperation of intrinsic bursting and calcium oscillations underlying activity patterns of model pre-Bötzinger
Choongseok Park1, Jonathan E Rubin
1Department of Mathematics and Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, 301 Thackeray Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. cspark@pitt.edu
Abstract:
Activity of neurons in the pre-Bötzinger complex (pre-BötC) within the mammalian brainstem drives the inspiratory phase of the respiratory rhythm. Experimental results have suggested that multiple bursting mechanisms based on a calcium-activated nonspecific cationic (CAN) current, a persistent sodium (NaP) current, and calcium dynamics may be incorporated within the pre-BötC. Previous modeling works have incorporated representations of some or all of these mechanisms. In this study, we consider a single-compartment model of a pre-BötC inspiratory neuron that encompasses particular aspects of all of these features. We present a novel mathematical analysis of the interaction of the corresponding rhythmic mechanisms arising in the model, including square-wave bursting and autonomous calcium oscillations, which requires treatment of a system of differential equations incorporating three slow variables.
Related Concept Videos
Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
Action Potential
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Propagation of Action Potentials
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...

