Modeling neurotransmitter binding to receptors in the brain

Abstract

A non-deterministic model based on the assumption that the binding of a neurotransmitter to its receptor is a Markov process is developed. This model is capable of describing the kinetic processes that occur when a neurotransmitter binds to its receptor in the normal unpathological condition and in related disease situations. The model assumes the presence of four states and develops their transition probability function, the expected number of visits to a certain state, the probability of ever reaching a certain state and a number of related statistical properties. Furthermore, the model explains the probable causes of related disease situations and develops their transition probability function and related statistical properties. The model parameters of the normal condition are generated by a computer simulation program and are compared to those of the disease situation. The results of these sample calculations supported the model assumptions for the normal and disease situations.