STN Cell Models and Simulation of Neuronal Networks

Neurons can be modelled using the properties of the ion channels in the membrane. There are several methods that use Hodgkin and Huxley type equations (Hodgkin and Huxley 1952) to describe ion channel dynamics. Heldoorn et al. (2001a, b) produced Onuf’s nucleus neurons to explore the possibilities of sphincter contractions. In this paper, the parameters for developing the activity of an Onuf neuron had to be partially borrowed from the motor neuron of the spinal cord. In fact, the required output to manage an artificial anal sphincter was such that an explanation for incontinence could be brought forward. However, some of the parameters had to be estimated, since no evident data were available.