A Markov process based model of the neurotransmitter-receptor binding process in the brain

A non-deterministic model, based on the assumption that the binding of a neurotransmitter to its receptor is a Markov process, is developed. This model is capable of describing the kinetic processes that occur when a neurotransmitter binds to its receptor under normal and abnormal (pathological) conditions. The model assumes the presence of four states and develops transition probability functions for these states, the expected number of visits to a given state, and the probability of ever reaching a given state. The model explains the probable causes of related disease situations such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia, and develops transition probability function and other related statistical properties appropriate to these disease situations. Model parameters of the normal condition were generated by a computer simulation program and compared to those of the pathological conditions. The results of these sample calculations support the assumptions made in the model for normal and disease situations.