Modeling of the Neuromuscular Junction Using NEURON
Session Number
2
Advisor(s)
Dr. Ashwin Mohan, PhD; SYNAPSE Lab, IMSA
Location
A131
Discipline
Computer Science
Start Date
15-4-2026 11:10 AM
End Date
15-4-2026 11:55 AM
Abstract
A neuromuscular junction is a specialized cell system in our body where neuronal signals from the brain innervate muscle fibers responsible for flexion and extension. Repetitive muscle contractions lead to a depletion of calcium storage, causing muscle fatigue. Understanding SR release, SERCA pumping (moving calcium ions back to the SR), buffering, and the role played by calcium cycling is critical for rehabilitation therapy and understanding movement disorders. In this study, we developed a compartmental computational model using the NEURON simulation environment. This combines the reaction diffusion model and Hodgkin-Huxley dynamics with calcium cycling. This model includes intracellular ryanodine receptors (RyR) modeled using Boltzmann activation/inactivation curves, and the SERCA pump using Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The model comprises three distinct fiber types (Type I, Type IIa, and Type IIx) based on the literature, each with its own calcium dynamics. Results indicate that high-frequency stimulation and low-frequency stimulation exhibit muscle forces and calcium dynamics observed in the literature. These results show SR calcium depletion can model muscle fatigue behavior at a cellular level, aiding in the design of protocols for patients with neuromuscular disorders.
Modeling of the Neuromuscular Junction Using NEURON
A131
A neuromuscular junction is a specialized cell system in our body where neuronal signals from the brain innervate muscle fibers responsible for flexion and extension. Repetitive muscle contractions lead to a depletion of calcium storage, causing muscle fatigue. Understanding SR release, SERCA pumping (moving calcium ions back to the SR), buffering, and the role played by calcium cycling is critical for rehabilitation therapy and understanding movement disorders. In this study, we developed a compartmental computational model using the NEURON simulation environment. This combines the reaction diffusion model and Hodgkin-Huxley dynamics with calcium cycling. This model includes intracellular ryanodine receptors (RyR) modeled using Boltzmann activation/inactivation curves, and the SERCA pump using Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The model comprises three distinct fiber types (Type I, Type IIa, and Type IIx) based on the literature, each with its own calcium dynamics. Results indicate that high-frequency stimulation and low-frequency stimulation exhibit muscle forces and calcium dynamics observed in the literature. These results show SR calcium depletion can model muscle fatigue behavior at a cellular level, aiding in the design of protocols for patients with neuromuscular disorders.