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Nerfing the nerve cell equation

The brain consists of individual cells known as neurons (or nerve cells) that communicate with each
other using both electric and chemical signals. Here we attempt a derivation of a differential equation
describing a neuron’s electrical behavior.

The electrical property of a neuron results from ionic movement through its cell membrane,
characterized by its potential 𝑉(𝑥, 𝑡) that may vary both in space and time. Below is a simple
illustration of a neuron membrane with its essential components:

 Phospholipid bilayer: the main component of the membrane with an insulating layer inside
covered by two hydrophilic layers, which serves to prevent entry of any “unauthorized”
substance.
 Ion channels: small openings in the membrane that consumes energy to pump specific ions
in/out of the cell to create concentration gradients. This gradient modulates the membrane
potential, which facilitates neuron signalling. Each channels is typical described with a
parameter known as reversal potential 𝐸𝑖 , the potential at which there is no net movement of
a particular ion species 𝑖.

(a) Given some incoming current 𝐼 through a membrane patch, use a Kirchoff rule to derive a
differential equation describing the neuron body’s membrane and all its constituents in terms
of 𝐼, 𝑉, 𝑡, 𝐸𝑁𝑎 , 𝐸𝐾 , 𝐸𝐿 (for other channels), and any other circuit element variables. Model each
constituent with just one circuit element. You may assume that the circuit element variables
are constant, and that the entire system is Ohmic.
(b) For this model, what is the steady state potential for the neuron membrane?
(c) So far we’ve only looked at the neuron body itself, ignoring all forms of signal propagation.
Neuron signals travel via long projections known as axons (for outgoing signals) and dendrites
(for incoming signals), which are nevertheless made up of cell membrane, hence we expect
some form of ion leakage to be present. To account for this, we consider a cylindrical cable of
radius 𝑎, which we use to model the axons and dendrites. For this question, suppose there is
some current 𝐼𝑎 (𝑥, 𝑡) propagating through the cable in the axial 𝑥-direction towards the
neuron. You may assume that the intracellular resistance per unit length of the cable 𝑟𝑖 is
constant.
i. Derive an equation given that the membrane potential of the cable changes by 𝜕𝑉
after a distance 𝜕𝑥.
ii. Suppose this leakage is uniform over the circumference of the cable cross-section,
leading to an average outgoing (radial) current through the membrane of 𝑖𝑚 per unit
of cable length. Assuming conservation of charge, express 𝑖𝑚 in terms of 𝑉.
iii. Your equation at (ii) is described per unit length of cable, which is not uniform for each
neuron. To generalize our result, express that equation using current 𝐼(𝑥, 𝑡) passing
locally through a small patch of membrane and the resistivity inside the cell 𝜌𝑖 .
iv. Relate your answer with that in part (a) to obtain a final equation.
v. If the signal propagates at a constant speed 𝑣 independent of the membrane
potential, can the equation be simplified further?

END OF QUESTION

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