Neuron simulations with SABER.
Computational models can provide critical tests of hypotheses of neuronal function. These models are essential for dealing with the complications of time- and voltage-dependent (active) ionic conductances. Commercial circuit analysis programs have been useful tools for this work. We report our experience modelling biophysically realistic membrane properties with SABER (Analogy, Inc.), a new general purpose simulator. SABER allows construction of models with arbitrary membrane properties. This is a major advantage over similar programs (e.g. SPICE), which are limited to a predefined library of electronic components. The empirically determined equations that describe rate constants, ionic conductances, currents, and concentration shifts can be translated directly into model elements ('templates') written in C-like code. We describe the development of SABER models that simulate a synapse and an action potential.
Carnevale
N T
NT
Neurology Department, SUNY, Stony Brook 11794.
Woolf
T B
TB
Shepherd
G M
GM
D000200:Action Potentials; D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009431:Neural Conduction; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology