Astrocytic-based Controller Shifts Epileptic Activity to the Chaotic State.

This study looked at whether a mathematical model of brain cells called astrocytes could help control seizure activity. Seizures happen when groups of brain cells become overly active and synchronized. Normally, brain cell activity is chaotic and unsynchronized. The researchers modeled a small network of hippocampus brain cells using equations. We adjusted the model to create seizure-like periodic synchronized activity. Then we added a mathematical astrocyte model to try to disrupt this unwanted synchronization. Astrocytes are a type of glial cell in the brain. They help nourish neurons and regulate brain cell communication. The researchers modeled astrocyte activity using equations based on calcium levels. Calcium levels affect how astrocytes communicate with brain cells. When the researchers added the astrocyte model to the seizure-like network activity, it was able to restore chaotic unsynchronized activity. The astrocyte model accomplished this by affecting the excitability of the neuronal network. These results suggest astrocytes could potentially be used to control seizure activity. More research is needed to further test this astrocyte model. Currently, many seizure patients do not respond fully to medication. Astrocyte-based treatments could potentially provide an alternative approach. The findings are notable because they demonstrate a biologically-based method to restore normal chaotic brain activity. Most previous efforts have used electrical stimulation. An astrocyte-based approach could modulate communication between brain cells in a more natural way.