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Maximum likelihood q-estimator reveals nonextensivity regulated by extracellular potassium in the mammalian neuromuscular junction

Recently, we demonstrated the existence of nonextensivity in neuromuscular transmission [Phys. Rev. E 84, 041925 (2011)]. In the present letter, we propose a general criterion based on the q-calculus foundations and nonextensive statistics to estimate the values for both scale factor and q-index using the maximum likelihood q-estimation method (MLqE). We next applied our theoretical findings to electrophysiological recordings from neuromuscular junction (NMJ) where spontaneous miniature end plate potentials (MEPP) were analyzed. These calculations were performed in both normal and high extracellular potassium concentration, [K+]o. This protocol was assumed to test the validity of the q-index in electrophysiological conditions closely resembling physiological stimuli. Surprisingly, the analysis showed a significant difference between the q-index in high and normal [K+]o, where the magnitude of nonextensivity was increased. Our letter provides a general way to obtain the best q-index from the q-Gaussian distribution function. It also expands the validity of Tsallis statistics in a more realistic stimulus condition. Physical and physiological implications of these findings are discussed in detail.