1. The Effect of the K a current on inducement of seizures Stephanie Costa Academy of Notre Dame

2. Problem Does the substitution of a K a current, instead of a K+ current, in R15 pacemaker network increase seizures in the brain?

3. Background Information A seizure is the result of brain cells giving off more electrical energy than can be handled by the brain. Abnormal electrical impulses signal a seizure, among other brain related issues. Abnormal electrical impulses can be seen in the data because the neurons do not follow the pattern of the R15 pacemaker neuron. Information travels through the brain by nerve impulses, chemical and electrical signals. The information goes through one neuron, across the synapse and then to the next neuron. Synapses are where two neurons meet, through this junction, cells communicate with each other. The R15 pacemaker is the neuron that sets the rate for all of the other neurons in that network.

4. Hypothesis The K a current will have an increased probability of seizure occurrences than the regular K+ neuron structure, which will not present any seizures.

5. Materials Computer SNNAP (Simulator for Neural Networks and Action Potentials) computer system

6. Procedure Build two neural networks, beginning with R 15 pacemaker neuron. One network will have a regular Hh (K channel) current and the other will have a K a current. Each network will run over a course of 120 seconds. The conductance will be reduced from 2.0 S to 1.0 S at intervals of.1 S The output will be collected from each graph

7. K channelK a channel

8. Variables Independent variable: The network that contains the K a current Dependent variable: The output of the K a current Controls: the Hodkin-Huxley model of the neuron Constants: the SNNAP program and the unaltered portions of the neuron/network

9. Hh model graphs

10. Hh 2.0

11. Hh 1.5Hh 1.4

12. Hh 1.3Hh 1.2

13. Hh 1.1Hh 1.0

14. K a model graphs

15. K a 2.0

16. K a 1.5K a 1.4

17. K a 1.3K a 1.2

18. K a 1.1K a 1.0

19. Conclusion The hypothesis was rejected. The K a current had a decreased probability of seizures and actually inhibited seizures until a conductance of 1.6 S. A source of error could be the number of K a or K+ channels in the network. Further research could include the results of extremes in the conductance level and the results of different neurons’ conductance when altered.

20. Works Cited Barnwell, L. F. S., Lugo, J. N., Lee, W. L., Willis, S. E., Gertz, S. J., Hrachovy, R. A., & Anderson, A. E. (2009). Kv4.2 knockout mice demonstrate increased susceptibility to convulsant stimulation. Epilepsia, 50(7), 1741-1751. doi:10.1111/j.1528-1167.2009.02086.x Brain. In Science online. Retrieved from http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin=NS30825&SingleRecord =True Norris, A. J., & Nerbonne, J. M. (2010, April 7). Molecular Dissection of Ia in cortical pyramidal neurons reveals three distinct components encoded by Kv4.2, Kv4.3, and Kv1.4 α-Subunit. The Journal of Neuroscience, 30(14), 5092-5101. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5890-09.2010 Panno, J. Neurons. In Science online. Retrieved from http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin=NBCELL0008&Sin gleRecord=True Sherwood, L. (2007). Principles of neural and hormonal communication. In P. Adams (Ed.), Human physiology: From cells to systems (6th ed., pp. 85-129). Thomson Brooks/Cole. Sherwood, L. (2007). The plasma membrane and membrane potential. In P. Adams (Ed.), Human physiology: From cells to systems (6th ed., pp. 53-83). Thomson Brooks/Cole. Simulator for Neural Networks and Action Potentials (SNNAP) (Version 8) [Computer software and manual]. (January 2003). Houston, Texas: The University of Texas-Houston Medical School. (2008, August 18). Life Sciences; Research from National Cheng-Kung University, Department of Neurology provides new data about life sciences. Mental Health Weekly Digest, 78, Retrieved from http://elibrary.bigchalk.com