Modeling Macroscopic Currents of Ion Channels

Ion-channel functions are often studied by the current-voltage relation, which is commonly fitted by the Boltzmann equation, a powerful model widely used nowadays. However, the Boltzmann model is restricted to a two-state ion-permeation process. Here we present an improved model that comprises a flexible number of states and incorporates both the single-channel conductance and the open-channel probability. Employing the channel properties derived from the single-channel recording experiments, the proposed model is able to describe various current-voltage relations, especially the reversal ion-permeation curves showing the inward- and outward-rectifications. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model using the published patch-clamp data of BK and MthK potassium channels, and discuss the similarity of the two channels based on the model studies.