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.