Fluctuations in the open time of synaptic channels: an application to noise analysis based on charge

Feldwisch-Drentrup, Hinnerk; Barrett, Adam B.; Smith, Michael T.; van Rossum, Mark C.W.

Abstract

Synaptic channels are stochastic devices. Even recording from large ensembles of channels, the fluctuations, described by Markov transition matrices, can be used to extract single channel properties. Here we study fluctuations in the open time of channels, which is proportional to the charge flowing through the channel. We use the results to implement a novel type of noise analysis that uses the charge rather than the current to extract fundamental channel parameters. We show in simulations that this charge based noise analysis is more robust if the synapse is located on the dendrites and thus subject to cable filtering. However, we also demonstrate that when multiple synapses are distributed on the dendrites, noise analysis breaks down. We finally discuss applications of our results to other biological processes.

Citation

Feldwisch-Drentrup, H., Barrett, A. B., Smith, M. T., & van Rossum, M. C. (2012). Fluctuations in the open time of synaptic channels: an application to noise analysis based on charge. Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 210(1), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneumeth.2011.11.004

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 2, 2011
• Online Publication Date: Nov 15, 2011
• Publication Date: Sep 15, 2012
• Deposit Date: Feb 7, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 7, 2018
• Journal: Journal of Neuroscience Methods
• Print ISSN: 0165-0270
• Electronic ISSN: 1872-678X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 210
• Issue: 1
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneumeth.2011.11.004
• Keywords: Synaptic transmission ; Noise analysis ; Stochastic channels ; Neural variability
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/711403
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165027011006601?via%3Dihub
• Contract Date: Feb 7, 2018