Functional modeling of neural-glial interaction.

We propose a generalized mathematical model for a small neural-glial ensemble. The model incorporates subunits of the tripartite synapse that includes a presynaptic neuron, the synaptic terminal itself, a postsynaptic neuron, and a glial cell. The glial cell is assumed to be activated via two different pathways: (i) the fast increase of intercellular [K(+)] produced by the spiking activity of the postsynaptic neuron, and (ii) the slow production of a mediator triggered by the synaptic activity. Our model predicts the long-term potentiation of the postsynaptic neuron as well as various [Ca(2+)] transients in response to the activation of different pathways.