Effect of channel geometry on the electrostatic potential in acetylcholine channels

Anthony Y Aidoo

doi:10.1016/j.mbs.2003.08.008

Effect of channel geometry on the electrostatic potential in acetylcholine channels

Math Biosci. 2003 Dec;186(2):175-89. doi: 10.1016/j.mbs.2003.08.008.

Author

Anthony Y Aidoo¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT 06226, USA. aidooa@easternct.edu

PMID: 14583171
DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2003.08.008

Abstract

We study the effect of channel geometry on the potential barrier encountered by ions as they permeate the acetylcholine receptor channel. Among the various channel geometries which have been used to represent the acetylcholine receptor channel include the cylinder and the toroidal catenary. The main reasons for those choices appear to be the facilitation of separation of the Poisson equation, rather than biological considerations. We consider a novel and realistic acetylcholine channel geometry, and calculate the electrostatic potential profiles within it, and compare our results with results from other channel geometries.

Publication types

Comparative Study
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Membrane Potentials / physiology
Models, Chemical
Permeability
Poisson Distribution
Receptors, Cholinergic / chemistry*
Receptors, Cholinergic / physiology
Static Electricity

Substances

Receptors, Cholinergic