Computational modeling of three-dimensional electrodiffusion in biological systems: application to the node of Ranvier

Biophys J. 2008 Sep 15;95(6):2624-35. doi: 10.1529/biophysj.108.132167. Epub 2008 Jun 13.

Abstract

A computational model is presented for the simulation of three-dimensional electrodiffusion of ions. Finite volume techniques were used to solve the Poisson-Nernst-Planck equation, and a dual Delaunay-Voronoi mesh was constructed to evaluate fluxes of ions, as well as resulting electric potentials. The algorithm has been validated and applied to a generalized node of Ranvier, where numerical results for computed action potentials agree well with cable model predictions for large clusters of voltage-gated ion channels. At smaller channel clusters, however, the three-dimensional electrodiffusion predictions diverge from the cable model predictions and show a broadening of the action potential, indicating a significant effect due to each channel's own local electric field. The node of Ranvier complex is an elaborate organization of membrane-bound aqueous compartments, and the model presented here represents what we believe is a significant first step in simulating electrophysiological events with combined realistic structural and physiological data.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Computer Simulation
  • Diffusion
  • Electricity*
  • Ion Channel Gating
  • Models, Biological*
  • Potassium Channels / metabolism
  • Ranvier's Nodes / metabolism*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sodium Channels / metabolism

Substances

  • Potassium Channels
  • Sodium Channels