Synaptic Communication in Diverse Astrocytic Connectivity: A Computational Model.

Astrocytes are recently considered active components in neural communication by modulating tripartite synaptic activity and the signaling mechanism facilitated by intercellular calcium wave (ICW) propagation. The heterogeneity in astrocytic connectivity produces diverse spatiotemporal signals equating to a diverse influence in synaptic communication. We developed a functional model of a neuron-astrocyte network consisting of tripartite synaptic interactions, gap-junction coupled astrocytic network, intra-, intercellular calcium diffusion, and varying topology to determine the effects of astrocytic connectivity to synaptic communication.