Single-Cell Model of Orexin Neuron and Adaptive Glucose-sensing Mechanism

Abstract

Orexin neurons are critical for regulating sleep-wake behavior. Their intrinsic firing activity promotes wakefulness. Orexin neurons are also specialized sensor of the body’s glucose level. Small rises in glucose level inhibit intrinsic action potential firing of orexin neuron. A distinct group of orexin neuron exhibits only transient inhibitory responses to sustained glucose stimulation. This adaptation involves recovery from inhibition via closure of leak-like potassium channels. In this project, we simulated the baseline behavior and adapting/nonadapting orexin response to sustained glucose stimulation in MatLab environment.