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Whole-cell Patch-clamp Recordings in Brain Slices

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Temperature-Robust Neural Function from Activity-Dependent Ion Channel Regulation.

Timothy O'Leary¹, Eve Marder²

¹Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK; Volen Center and Biology Department, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, USA.

Current Biology : CB

|October 18, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Cold-blooded animals maintain stable neural activity despite temperature changes. A new model reveals how simple regulatory mechanisms allow nervous systems to achieve this temperature robustness, even with variable ion channel properties.

Keywords:

central pattern generator computational model crustacean homeostatic plasticity ion channels mathematical model neuronal excitability stomatogastric ganglion temperature compensation

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Computational Biology
Physiology

Background:

Cold-blooded animals face significant body temperature fluctuations.
Physiological processes are temperature-dependent, making robust function challenging.
Neural circuits, like the crab stomatogastric ganglion (STG), show remarkable temperature robustness.

Purpose of the Study:

To explain how neural circuits achieve temperature robustness despite varying ion channel properties.
To develop a theoretical model for temperature-robust physiological function.
To investigate the role of regulatory mechanisms in neural robustness.

Main Methods:

Developed a theoretical model of neural activity.
Incorporated temperature-dependent ion channel dynamics.
Analyzed the impact of conductance density variability on circuit function.

Main Results:

The model demonstrates that a simple regulatory control mechanism can yield temperature robustness.
This robustness is achievable even with high variability in neuronal conductance densities.
Degenerate relationships among temperature-sensitive processes are key to robust function.

Conclusions:

Nervous systems can achieve temperature robustness through regulatory mechanisms.
Variability in neuronal properties does not preclude robust physiological function.
The findings offer a general principle for how excitable tissues maintain function across temperatures.