A neuronal circuit simulation highlights the role of neuroglia in modulating information transmission

A simple model of a neuronal circuit based on astochastic discrete-time difference equation is described. Themodel assumes loosely connected clusters of densely connectedneurons within each cluster, and a circuit topology is producedby connecting the clusters in sequence. The action of the glia issimulated by two parameters referring to its trophic action inrestoring neuronal energy levels after firing and to its scavengingaction at the synaptic level affecting the probability that animpulse is transmitted. It is shown that only glial trophic supportwithin a limited range allows ordinate cyclic functioning of thecircuit. It is also shown that changes in local action at the synapsedetermine changes in the frequency of the cycling. This kind ofmodel paves the way to a quantitative description of changesin neurodegenerative diseases, so as to potentially predict theevolution of quality of life in these conditions.