Dynamical analysis of astrocyte-induced neuronal hyper-excitation

This paper introduces a computational model of integrated information in bidirectional neuron-astrocyte communication. Dynamical analysis and information transfer process are studied when stimulation of metabotropic glutamate is loaded into neuron and astrocyte in coupled model, respectively. The results show that the loading glutamate stimulus and coupling strength cause neuronal hyper-excitation, which is in some way linked to the epileptic instabilities. A period of sustained neuronal firing activities could continue after cessation of stimulation because of how long it takes for calcium concentration in astrocyte to decrease to steady state. Additionally, we also found that reducing the feedback of astrocyte could effectively inhibit neuronal seizure-like firing from the aspect of neuronal energy consumption in somatic firing.

Automated summary

This paper presents a computational model that explores integrated information in the bidirectional communication between neurons and astrocytes. The study analyzes the dynamics and information transfer process when stimulating metabotropic glutamate in coupled neuron and astrocyte models. The results demonstrate that the stimulation and coupling strength induce neuronal hyperexcitation, which is partially connected to epileptic instabilities. Additionally, the sustained firing activities of neurons can persist after stimulation cessation due to the time it takes for calcium concentration in astrocytes to reach a steady state. Furthermore, reducing astrocyte feedback effectively inhibits seizure-like firing in neurons from the perspective of neuronal energy consumption.