Maximum-likelihood q-estimator uncovers the role of potassium at neuromuscular junctions.
Biol Cybern
; 110(1): 31-40, 2016 Feb.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-26721559
ABSTRACT
Recently, we demonstrated the existence of nonextensive behavior in neuromuscular transmission (da Silva et al. in Phys Rev E 84041925, 2011). In this letter, we first obtain a maximum-likelihood q-estimator to calculate the scale factor ([Formula see text]) and the q-index of q-Gaussian distributions. Next, we use the indexes to analyze spontaneous miniature end plate potentials in electrophysiological recordings from neuromuscular junctions. These calculations were performed assuming both normal and high extracellular potassium concentrations [Formula see text]. This protocol was used to test the validity of Tsallis statistics under electrophysiological conditions closely resembling physiological stimuli. The analysis shows that q-indexes are distinct depending on the extracellular potassium concentration. Our letter provides a general way to obtain the best estimate of parameters from a q-Gaussian distribution function. It also expands the validity of Tsallis statistics in realistic physiological stimulus conditions. In addition, we discuss the physical and physiological implications of these findings.
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Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Potássio
/
Potenciais Pós-Sinápticos em Miniatura
/
Junção Neuromuscular
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Biol Cybern
Ano de publicação:
2016
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Brasil