Biopolymers and cell. 1997; 13 (2): 135 - 141

Self-regulation in ion channels of biological membranes

C. A. Abgarian, G. E. Weinreb, V. N. Kharkyanen

We develop a theoretical approach that allows to model processes of both potential and concentrational dependencies of ion channel parameters. Two variants are possible: discrete and continuous approaches. The first one is simplier in applications and desribes a set of experimental effects and allows to give in a natural form physical grounds for potential sensitivity of ion channel. In this case we don't need a term of voltage sensor, a special structure which directly «feels» the membrane voltage. The continuous approach is more general and describes all effects described by discrete approach but it is more complicated for using. This approach we have to use for description of effects that are caused by deformations of the conformational states including so drastic phenomena such as a changing of the number of channel conductivity states.