Abstract
A simplified model for electrophysiology of endothelial cells is used to examine the conditions that can lead to bistability of membrane resting potential. The model includes the effects of inward-rectifying potassium (Kir) ion channels, whose current–voltage relationship shows an interval of negative slope and whose maximum conductance is dependent on the extracellular potassium concentration. The background current resulting from other types of channels is assumed to be linearly related to membrane potential. A method is presented for identifying the boundaries in the parameter space for the background currents of the regions of bistability. It is shown that these regions are relatively narrow and depend on extracellular potassium concentration. The results are used to define conditions leading to transitions between depolarized and hyperpolarized membrane states. These behaviors can influence the properties of conducted responses, in which changes in membrane potential are propagated along blood vessel walls. Conducted responses are important in the local regulation of blood flow in the brain and other tissues.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
