Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2025
07:33
Optogenetic Entrainment of Hippocampal Theta Oscillations in Behaving Mice
Published on: June 29, 2018
11.8K
M-current modulation of cortical slow oscillations: Network dynamics and computational modeling.
Leonardo Dalla Porta1, Almudena Barbero-Castillo1, Jose Manuel Sanchez-Sanchez1
1Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
Plos Computational Biology
|July 5, 2023
Summary
Blocking the M-current prolongs slow oscillation Up states and increases neuronal firing, offering insights into the brain dynamics during awakening. This research connects ionic currents to network modulation for a mechanistic understanding of waking transitions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- Slow oscillations represent synchronized cortical activity during sleep and anesthesia.
- Waking involves a transition from synchronized to desynchronized brain states.
- Cholinergic systems, via muscarinic receptors, are crucial for wakefulness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamical effects of blocking the M-current on cortical slow oscillations.
- To understand the role of the M-current in network excitability and transitions to wakefulness.
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted using both cortical slices and a computational cortical network model.
- The M-current was blocked pharmacologically in slices and parametrically reduced in the computational model.
Main Results:
- Blocking the M-current significantly elongated Up states (by four times) and increased neuronal firing rates.
- Increased network excitability was observed without inducing epileptiform discharges.
- Computational models replicated these findings, showing progressive Up state elongation and increased firing with M-current reduction.
Conclusions:
- M-current blockade enhances network excitability, prolonging Up states and mimicking aspects of the transition to wakefulness.
- This study provides a mechanistic link between ionic currents and network dynamics during awakening.
- Findings highlight the M-current's role in regulating cortical network states relevant to sleep-wake transitions.
Related Concept Videos
01:19The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation
3.2K
A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
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....
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....
3.2K
01:23Propagation of Action Potentials
6.0K
The propagation of an action potential refers to the process by which a nerve impulse, or "action potential," travels along a neuron.
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...
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...
6.0K