Synaptic Current Amplitude
Measure a caller-polarity synaptic current extremum relative to a sampled baseline; inward currents preserve a negative amplitude.
Description
Synaptic-current amplitude needs a baseline and an event polarity.
Synaptic-current amplitude needs a baseline and an event polarity. The peak is a maximum for positive events and a minimum for negative events.
The tool returns baselinePa (baseline pa); peakCurrentPa (peak current pa); signedAmplitudePa (signed amplitude pa). Input measurements and model parameters are supplied by the caller; the tool computes the stated summary rather than acquiring those measurements.
When to use Synaptic Current Amplitude
Use Synaptic Current Amplitude when you already have timesMs, currentsPa, baselineStartMs, baselineEndMs, eventStartMs, eventEndMs, eventPolarity and want baselinePa, peakCurrentPa, signedAmplitudePa. This is useful for checking a supplied calculation, documenting a measurement convention, or comparing observations prepared on the same basis.
How to use Synaptic Current Amplitude and understand its results
- Enter timesMs, currentsPa, baselineStartMs, baselineEndMs, eventStartMs, eventEndMs, eventPolarity using the field table below. Match the units, ordering and data boundaries described in the calculation.
- Run the tool after checking the stated bounds and matching paired observations or categories. A malformed request gives a tool error rather than a usable measurement.
- Read baselinePa, peakCurrentPa, signedAmplitudePa. Use the calculation and interpretation below to distinguish amounts, ratios, signs and decision flags where applicable.
- Review the supplied parameters and assumptions before using the result in a report or comparing it with another observation.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type and bounds | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| timesMs | Times ms | list of number | Required |
| currentsPa | Currents pa | list of number | Required |
| baselineStartMs | Baseline start ms | number | Required |
| baselineEndMs | Baseline end ms | number | Required |
| eventStartMs | Event start ms | number | Required |
| eventEndMs | Event end ms | number | Required |
| eventPolarity | Event polarity | number | Required |
Require polarity +1 or −1 and disjoint inclusive baseline/event windows on aligned increasing times. Choose the extremum according to polarity.
signed amplitudePa = selectedEventPeak−baselineMean The symbols refer to the supplied quantities or generated values described above; unit conversions and comparison boundaries follow the stated implementation.
{
"input": {
"timesMs": [
0,
1,
2,
3
],
"currentsPa": [
10,
10,
-30,
0
],
"baselineStartMs": 0,
"baselineEndMs": 1,
"eventStartMs": 2,
"eventEndMs": 3,
"eventPolarity": -1
},
"output": {
"baselinePa": 10,
"peakCurrentPa": -30,
"signedAmplitudePa": -40
}
}Limitations and assumptions
The output retains its sign. No event detection, filtering, series-resistance correction or charge integration is applied.
Numerical inputs must be finite. The tool checks its declared input shape and calculation constraints; those checks do not verify the quality, calibration or representativeness of the supplied observations.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Synaptic Conductance: Convert a leak-subtracted voltage-clamp current trace into conductance at a fixed nonzero driving force; pA/mV yields nS. Synaptic Charge Transfer: Integrate a baseline-corrected synaptic current by trapezoids; pA·ms yields fC. Absolute-current area is distinct from the absolute value of net charge.
Methodological background: Synapses and short-term synaptic dynamics.1
References
-
Synapses and short-term synaptic dynamics — Gerstner et al.; Neuronal Dynamics
Similar or alternative tools
- Synaptic Conductance
Convert a leak-subtracted voltage-clamp current trace into conductance at a fixed nonzero driving force; pA/mV yields nS.
- Synaptic Charge Transfer
Integrate a baseline-corrected synaptic current by trapezoids; pA·ms yields fC. Absolute-current area is distinct from the absolute value of net charge.