Sparse short-distance connections enhance calcium wave propagation in a 3D model of astrocyte networks.

ABSTRACT: Traditionally, astrocytes have been considered to couple via gap-junctions into a syncytium with only rudimentary spatial organization. However, this view is challenged by growing experimental evidence that astrocytes organize as a proper gap-junction mediated network with more complex region-dependent properties. On the other hand, the propagation range of intercellular calcium waves (ICW) within astrocyte populations is as well highly variable, depending on the brain region considered. This suggests that the variability of the topology of gap-junction couplings could play a role in the variability of the ICW propagation range. Since this hypothesis is very difficult to investigate with current experimental approaches, we explore it here using a biophysically realistic model of three-dime

SUBMITTER: Lallouette J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3997029 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature