Set of Simulators of the Electrophysiology of the A-Type Potassium Current (IA) in Neurons

Authors

  • María Eugenia Pérez Bonilla Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, México
  • Marleni Reyes Monreal Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, México
  • Miguel Felipe Pérez Escalera Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, México
  • Arturo Reyes Lazalde Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, México

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17488/RMIB.41.3.2

Keywords:

A-type potassium current, Simulators, Virtual experiments

Abstract

The A-type potassium current (IA) participates in important brain functions, including neuronal excitability, synaptic integration, and regulation of action potential patterns and fring frequency. Based on the characterization of its electrophysiological properties by current and voltage clamp techniques, mathematical models have been developed that reproduce IA function. For such models, it is necessary to numerically solve equations and utilize hardware with special speed and performance characteristics. Since specifc software for studying IA is not found on the Internet, the aim of this work was to develop a set of simulators grouped into three computer programs: (1) IA Current, (2) IA Constant-V Curves and (3) IA AP Train. These simulators provide a virtual reproduction of experiments on neurons with the possibility of setting the current and voltage, which allows for the study of the electrophysiological and biophysical characteristics of IA and its effect on the train of action potentials. The mathematical models employed were derived from the work of Connor et al., giving rise to Hodgkin-Huxley type models. The programs were developed in Visual Basic® and the differential equation systems were simultaneously solved numerically. The resulting system represents a breakthrough in the ability to replicate IA activity in neurons.

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Author Biographies

María Eugenia Pérez Bonilla, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, México

María Eugenia Pérez Bonilla got her Bachelor of Medicine and Master of Physiology from the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla. She has a doctorate in experimental pathology from the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the Instituto Politecnico Nacional. She is part of a multidisciplinary group with an interest in development of interactive software for education and research in biomedical sciences.

Marleni Reyes Monreal, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, México

Marleni Reyes Monreal is a computer technician, she received her Bachelor Degree in Graphic Design and her Master Degree in Aesthetics and Art from Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla. She has a Master Degree in Educational Technology (multimedia design and simulators) and she is currently working to obtain her doctorate in Ecoeducation (simulators) and a second one in History (Art). She is part of a multidisciplinary group with an interest in the design and aesthetic development of interactive software for education and research.

Miguel Felipe Pérez Escalera, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, México

Miguel Pérez Escalera got his Bachelor Degree in Computer Science from Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, he has a Master Degree in Computer Science from the same institution and he is working for his doctorate, also in Computer Science in Universidad de las Americas Puebla. He is part of a multidisciplinary group with an interest in the development of interactive software and 3D systems for education and research.

Arturo Reyes Lazalde, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, México

Arturo Reyes Lazalde received his Bachelor of Medicine and Master of Physiology from Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla. He has a doctorate in basic biomedical research (neuroscience) from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. He is part of a multidisciplinary group with an interest in the development of interactive software for education and research in biomedical sciences.

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Published

2020-10-04

How to Cite

Pérez Bonilla, M. E., Reyes Monreal, M., Pérez Escalera, M. F., & Reyes Lazalde, A. (2020). Set of Simulators of the Electrophysiology of the A-Type Potassium Current (IA) in Neurons. Revista Mexicana De Ingenieria Biomedica, 41(3), 28–39. https://doi.org/10.17488/RMIB.41.3.2

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