Modeling single neuron behavior using stochastic differential equations

We model the intrinsic dynamic behavior of a neuron using stochastic differential equations and Brownian motion. Basis of our work is the deterministic one-compartmental multi-conductance model of cerebellar granule cell. We develop a novel modeling approach for our test neuron by incorporating the stochasticity inherently present in the operation of voltage-dependent ion channels. Our new stochastic Hodgkin-Huxley type of model is able to reproduce a large range of dynamics more realistically than previous deterministic models for the granule cell. Proper inclusion of stochastic elements is therefore essential in modeling the behavior of single small neuron. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.