Sensing Nature’s Electric Fields: Ion Channels as Active Elements of Linear Amplification.

Given the parameters of familiar cellular elements -- voltage-sensitive ion channels, carriers, pumps, phospholipid insulators, and electrolytic conductors -- is it possible to construct an amplifier whose sensitivity matches the 5 nV/cm threshold found in behavioral experiments on elasmobranch fish? Or, in addition to clever circuitry that uses commonly known elements and principles, do we need something else to understand this sensitivity? The resolution of this question is important not only for studies in sensory biophysics seeking to reveal underlying mechanisms and molecular structures. More generally, it deepens our appreciation of the stochastic nature of inter- and intra-cellular control circuits. Here I analyze a simplified circuit involving negative differential resistance of voltage-sensitive ion channels. The analysis establishes an off-equilibrium criterion for amplification, shows that ion channels are the dominant noise sources, and, by minimizing channel noise within the given constraints, demonstrates that generic voltage-sensitive ion channels are likely candidates for the active elements of the linear cellular amplifiers. Finally, I highlight a number of unsolved issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]