How modeling can reconcile apparently discrepant experimental results: the case of pacemaking in dopaminergic neurons.

ABSTRACT: Midbrain dopaminergic neurons are endowed with endogenous slow pacemaking properties. In recent years, many different groups have studied the basis for this phenomenon, often with conflicting conclusions. In particular, the role of a slowly-inactivating L-type calcium channel in the depolarizing phase between spikes is controversial, and the analysis of slow oscillatory potential (SOP) recordings during the blockade of sodium channels has led to conflicting conclusions. Based on a minimal model of a dopaminergic neuron, our analysis suggests that the same experimental protocol may lead to drastically different observations in almost identical neurons. For example, complete L-type calcium channel blockade eliminates spontaneous firing or has almost no effect in two neurons differing by less

SUBMITTER: Drion G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3102759 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature