Enhancement of the Neuronal Dynamic Range by Proper Intensities of Channel Noise

The capability of a biological neuron to discriminate the intensity of external stimulus is measured in its dynamic range. In previous studies, a few factors have been reported to be able to enhance the dynamic range, e.g., electrical coupling and active dendrites. Here we numerically show that intrinsic channel noise within neurons has a subtle effect in neuronal dynamic range modulation. Our simulation results indicate that for relatively weak noise intensity, the dynamic range of the neuron is enhanced significantly. However, as the noise intensity becomes stronger, the dynamic range of the neuron is weakened. Further investigation suggests that sodium channel noise and potassium channel noise play opposite roles in modulating the dynamic range. Consequently, the model results suggest a new function of channel noise, that is, a proper value of noise intensity could optimize the dynamic range of neurons.