The self-composing brain: towards a glial-neuronal brain theory.
A brain model is proposed which describes its structural organization and the related functions as compartments organized in time and space. On a molecular level the negative feedback loops of clock-controlled genes are interpreted as compartments. This spatio-temporal operational principle may also work on the cellular level as glial-neuronal interactions, wherein glia have a spatio-temporal boundary setting function. The synchronization of the multi-compartmental operations of the brain is compared to the harmonization in a symphony and appears as an integrated behavior of the whole organism, defined as modes of behavior. For explanation of the principle of harmonization, an example from Schubert's Symphony No. 8 has been chosen. While harmonization refers to the synchronization of diverse systems, it seems appropriate to select the brain of a composer and the structure of musical composition as a paradigm towards a glial-neuronal brain theory. Finally, some limitations of experimental brain research are discussed and robotics are proposed as a promising alternative.
Mitterauer
Bernhard
B
Institute of Forensic Neuropsychiatry and Gotthard Günther Archives, University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Strasse 79, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria. bernhard.mitterauer@sbg.ac.at
Kopp
Kristen
K
D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D002909:Chronobiology Phenomena; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D009146:Music; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000502:physiology*; D011582:Psychological Theory; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology; D013998:Time Perception / Q000502:physiology