A Computational Model of Interactions Between Neuronal and Astrocytic Networks : The Role of Astrocytes in the Stability of the Neuronal Firing Rate

Copyright © 2020 Lenk, Satuvuori, Lallouette, Ladrón-de-Guevara, Berry and Hyttinen..

Recent research in neuroscience indicates the importance of tripartite synapses and gliotransmission mediated by astrocytes in neuronal system modulation. Although the astrocyte and neuronal network functions are interrelated, they are fundamentally different in their signaling patterns and, possibly, the time scales at which they operate. However, the exact nature of gliotransmission and the effect of the tripartite synapse function at the network level are currently elusive. In this paper, we propose a computational model of interactions between an astrocyte network and a neuron network, starting from tripartite synapses and spanning to a joint network level. Our model focuses on a two-dimensional setup emulating a mixed in vitro neuron-astrocyte cell culture. The model depicts astrocyte-released gliotransmitters exerting opposing effects on the neurons: increasing the release probability of the presynaptic neuron while hyperpolarizing the post-synaptic one at a longer time scale. We simulated the joint networks with various levels of astrocyte contributions and neuronal activity levels. Our results indicate that astrocytes prolong the burst duration of neurons, while restricting hyperactivity. Thus, in our model, the effect of astrocytes is homeostatic; the firing rate of the network stabilizes to an intermediate level independently of neuronal base activity. Our computational model highlights the plausible roles of astrocytes in interconnected astrocytic and neuronal networks. Our simulations support recent findings in neurons and astrocytes in vivo and in vitro suggesting that astrocytic networks provide a modulatory role in the bursting of the neuronal network.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2019

Erschienen:

2019

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:13

Enthalten in:

Frontiers in computational neuroscience - 13(2019) vom: 03., Seite 92

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Lenk, Kerstin [VerfasserIn]
Satuvuori, Eero [VerfasserIn]
Lallouette, Jules [VerfasserIn]
Ladrón-de-Guevara, Antonio [VerfasserIn]
Berry, Hugues [VerfasserIn]
Hyttinen, Jari A K [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Astrocyte
Calcium signaling
Gliotransmission
Journal Article
Network
Neuron
Simulation

Anmerkungen:

Date Revised 28.09.2020

published: Electronic-eCollection

Citation Status PubMed-not-MEDLINE

doi:

10.3389/fncom.2019.00092

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM30632766X