title: Neuroprotective Role of Gap Junctions in a Neuron Astrocyte Network Model.
abstract: A detailed biophysical model for a neuron/astrocyte network is developed to explore mechanisms responsible for the initiation and propagation of cortical spreading depolarizations and the role of astrocytes in maintaining ion homeostasis, thereby preventing these pathological waves. Simulations of the model illustrate how properties of spreading depolarizations, such as wave speed and duration of depolarization, depend on several factors, including the neuron and astrocyte Na(+)-K(+) ATPase pump strengths. In particular, we consider the neuroprotective role of astrocyte gap junction coupling. The model demonstrates that a syncytium of electrically coupled astrocytes can maintain a physiological membrane potential in the presence of an elevated extracellular K(+) concentration and efficiently distribute the excess K(+) across the syncytium. This provides an effective neuroprotective mechanism for delaying or preventing the initiation of spreading depolarizations.
authors.affiliation: Department de Matematiques, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Gemma
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Huguet
authors.affiliation: Department of Mathematics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
authors.forename: Anoushka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Joglekar
authors.affiliation: Mathematical Bioscience Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
authors.forename: Leopold Matamba
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Messi
authors.affiliation: Mathematical Bioscience Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Buckalew
authors.affiliation: Department of Mathematics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.affiliation: Department of Mathematics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Electronic address: terman.1@osu.edu.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Terman
mesh_terms: D001253:Astrocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D005110:Extracellular Space / Q000378:metabolism; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000378:metabolism*; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology*; D000066829:Neuroprotection; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D011188:Potassium