Generation and Preservation of the Slow Underlying Membrane Potential Oscillation in Model Bursting Neurons

Abstract

The underlying membrane potential oscillation of both forced and endogenous slow-wave bursting cells affects the number of spikes per burst, which in turn affects outputs downstream. We use a biophysical model of a class of slow-wave bursting cells with six active currents to investigate and generalize correlations among maximal current conductances that might generate and preserve its underlying oscillation. We propose three phases for the underlying oscillation for this class of cells: generation, maintenance, and termination and suggest that different current modules coregulate to preserve the characteristics of each phase. Coregulation of IBurst and IA currents within distinct boundaries maintains the dynamics during the generation phase. Similarly, coregulation of ICaT and IKd maintains the peak and duration of the underlying oscillation, whereas the calcium-activated IKCa ensures appropriate termination of the oscillation and adjusts the duration independent of peak.