Simulating Voltage-Gated Na and K Ion Channel Kinetics Using Hodgkin- Huxley Mode

Voltage-gated sodium channels play an important role in action potentials. If enough channels open during a change in the cell's membrane potential, a small but significant number of sodium ( Na + ) ions will move into the cell reducing its electrochemical gradient and further depolarizing the cell. Voltage-gated Na + channels play a fundamental role in the excitability of nerve and muscle cells. Na + channels both open and close more quickly than potassium ( K + ) channels, producing an influx of positive charge ( Na + ) toward the beginning of the action potential and an efflux ( K + ) toward the end. The study of K + channels is essential as they appear to be more diverse in structure and function than any other types of ion channel. K + channels shape the action potential, set the membrane potential, and determine firing rates. There already are some drugs in clinical use that target K + channels which improve our ability to regulate excitability. In this research, we study the influence of voltage dependence on channel activation and inactivation by simulating different channel subtypes as well as the effect of different kinetic parameters on membrane excitability.