Investigating the Cocaine-induced Reduction of Potassium Current on the Generation of Action Potentials Using a Computational Model.

Drugs of abuse such as cocaine can manipulate brain circuits and may form some pathological memories. These memories can lead to long-term addiction. Furthermore, these drugs also can have toxic effects on the cells. Researchers are looking for the mechanisms that can lead to abnormal memories and toxic effects of drugs. It seems that an efficient mechanism that can be used by drugs of abuse is the manipulation of potassium currents in the affected cells. Here, in a computational model, we have shown that changes in the conductance of delayed rectifying potassium channels can lead to nonlinear and even chaotic behaviors in the produced action potentials. These behaviors might have a role in drug toxic effects.