Frequency-dependent processes: a model for short-term memory

Many biological respomses are dependent on the frequency of excitation. Frequency-dependent processes are a class of ligand binding processes where the degree of binding site saturation may be dependent on the cumulative duration of ligand release or receptor access. Here we derive several results that aid in designing experiments in the study of frequency dependent processes. Specifically, we show that for activity dependent memory processes, the steady state degree of binding site saturation is dependent on the frequency of stimulation as well as the uptake and recovery rates of the ligand. Based on this formalism, one could predict the 'quality' of short term memory to be directly related to the number of training sessions and inversely related to the interval between training sessions. A simulation of a Hodgkin-Huxley membrane demonstrates frequency dependent increases of action potential duration in response to progressive reduction in potassium conductance, consistent with experimental observations. These results suggest that action potential duration may be a general measure of 'memory' associated with a specific neutral pathway. © 1992.

Duke Scholars

Author Charles Franklin Starmer Computer Science