Modeling of time disparity detection by the Hodgkin-Huxley equations

Phase-sensitive neurons in the electrosensory lateral line lobe in the electrosensory pathway of the wave-type electric fish, Gymnarchus niloticus, are specialized for sensing the time disparity between sensory inputs at different parts of the body surface that is necessary for an electrical behavior, jamming avoidance response. These neurons are sensitive to time disparity in the microsecond range between synaptic inputs that represent occurrence times of electrosensory signals at different areas on the body surface. We showed that an ideal Hodgkin-Huxley equation may serve as a time disparity detector that fits physiological precision, and the precision for the time disparity detection is largely regulated by the maximal g(K) conductance in the Hodgkin-Huxley equations.