Welcome To EONS v1.x!
EONS v1.x is the perfect tool to study the basic interactions between synaptic elements in a friendly manner. There are no complicated equations to write: all the models are predefined! This version is a great tool for first time users and students interested in learning about synapses, as well as for studying geometry and distribution hypotheses in a 2D rectangular geometry.
From a computational standpoint, EONS v1.0 is a Java Web Start application (platform independent) that is downloadable from a central server; both the user interface and simulation engine run on the client machine.
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| See EONS v1.x in action: visual feedback during a EONS v1.x simulation with an initial presynaptic paired-pulse depolarization - Calcium enters in the presynaptic terminal and triggers glutamate release. Note: This video is encoded with Windows Media Codec 9 series downloadable free of charge from the Microsoft website. |
Structure of EONS v1.x
EONS consists in a graphical modeling platform in which elements that comprise a single glutamatergic synapse (both pre- and post-synaptically) as well as the underlying synaptic geometry can be modified.
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| This animation describes the main mechanisms involved during glutamatergic synaptic tranmission occuring after initial presynaptic depolarization. Click on 'Play' to start the video. |
Presynaptic elements
- Calcium channels (N, L, T types)
- Localized calcium buffers
- Diffuse calcium buffers
- Calcium diffusion modeling
- Calcium pumps
- vesicular kinetics
Synaptic cleft
In the synaptic cleft, a uniform diffusion of neurotransmitter is modeled (we focus our attention to the area close the the release site).Postsynaptic elements
- AMPA receptors
- NMDA receptors
- Simulated excitatory postsynaptic potential
- Slow and medium potassium channels
- Metabotropic glutamate receptors
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
- ER calcium ATPase
- ER IP3 receptors
- Calcium channels
- Sodium/calcium exchanger