Biologically inspired circuit model for simulation of glutamate gated ion channels of the postsynaptic membrane at synaptic cleft

BACKGROUND Enzyme modified field effect transistor (ENFET) may be used to represent the variable conductance of transmitter-gated ion channels in the postsynaptic region of the neuron. PURPOSE The objective of this work is to develop a simple analog circuit model that can simulate the function of neurotransmitter glutamate gated ion channels of postsynaptic membrane at the synaptic cleft. METHOD In this paper, Glutamate sensitive ENFET is incorporated into the Hodgkin-Huxley (H-H) circuit model of the postsynaptic membrane at the synaptic cleft. RESULT Simulation of the circuit model yields an output representing the membrane potential of the synaptic region. Simulation is performed in MATLAB environment for excitatory action of synapses. CONCLUSION This model can be used in neuro-bioengineering programs for simulation of binding activity and electrical activity of the postsynaptic region.