Compartment model of neuropeptide synaptic transport with impulse control

Biol Cybern. 2008 Dec;99(6):443-58. doi: 10.1007/s00422-008-0250-0. Epub 2008 Sep 20.

Abstract

In this paper a mathematical description of a presynaptic episode of slow synaptic neuropeptide transport is proposed. Two interrelated mathematical models, one based on a system of reaction diffusion partial differential equations and another one, a compartment type, based on a system of ordinary differential equations (ODE) are formulated. Processes of inflow, calcium triggered activation, diffusion and release of neuropeptide from large dense core vesicles (LDCV) as well as inflow and diffusion of ionic calcium are represented. The models assume the space constraints on the motion of inactive LDCVs and free diffusion of activated ones and ions of calcium. Numerical simulations for the ODE model are presented as well. Additionally, an electronic circuit, reflecting the functional properties of the mathematically modelled presynaptic slow transport processes, is introduced.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Animals
  • Axonal Transport / physiology*
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology
  • Cell Compartmentation / physiology
  • Computer Simulation
  • Diffusion
  • Humans
  • Models, Neurological*
  • Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Neuropeptides / metabolism*
  • Presynaptic Terminals / metabolism*
  • Secretory Vesicles / metabolism
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*

Substances

  • Neuropeptides
  • Calcium