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The Rhythmic Consequences of Ion Channel Stochasticity

Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA

Ion channels are membrane-spanning proteins with central pores through which ions cross neuronal membranes. The pores through each ion channel flicker between open and closed states, starting and stopping the flow of ions and the electrical current they carry. Hence the current flickers on and off, varying widely on very short time scales. Recent evidence suggests that this noisy current is a source of rhythmic behaviors in neurons. In this review, we begin by providing an illustrative model that links the stochastic flicker of ion channels to neuronal rhythms. The author explores recent experimental work that shows channel flicker is necessary for at least one rhythm that characterizes a class of cortical neurons in vitro. Finally, the author highlights a number of novel studies that link ion channel stochasticity to neuronal rhythmic behaviors in other interesting ways.

Key Words: Channel flicker • Oscillations • Reliability • Na+ channels • Neuronal dynamics

The Neuroscientist, Vol. 12, No. 5, 442-448 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1073858406290793


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