Astrocytes in Seizure Suppression: Neuron–Astrocyte Modeling and Optogenetic Stimulation of ChR۲

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent and unpredictable seizures. These seizures arise from abnormal and excessive synchronous electrical activity among neuronal populations in the brain. In this study, astrocyte–neuron interactions under normal and epileptic conditions were investigated using a mathematical model. In particular, the role of astrocytes in regulating ionic balance and its effect on neuronal electrical activity was examined. Optogenetic stimulation was simulated to selectively activate astrocytes expressing Channelrhodopsin-۲ in order to evaluate its inhibitory effect on epileptic activity. Simulation results of the mathematical model showed that astrocyte activation leads to a reduction in seizure severity. This anti-seizure effect is independent of calcium signaling and is associated with astrocytic sodium–potassium pump activity, which suppresses pyramidal neuron firing during seizures. These findings highlight the importance of astrocytes as key regulators of brain electrical activity and as promising therapeutic targets for epilepsy control.

کلیدواژه ها:

Epilepsy ، optogenetics ، astrocyte ، Channelrhodopsin-۲ ، neuron–astrocyte modeling