Model of the Reticular Formation of the Brainstem Based on Glial-Neuronal Interactions.

Bernhard J Mitterauer

doi:10.1007/s12559-014-9260-5

Abstract

A new model of the reticular formation of the brainstem is proposed. It refers to the neuronal and glial cell systems. Thus, it is biomimetically founded. The reticular formation generates modes of behavior (sleeping, eating, etc.) and commands all behavior according to the most appropriate environmental information. The reticular formation works on an abductive logic and is dominated by a redundancy of potential command. Formally, a special mode of behavior is represented by a comprehensive cycle (Hamilton loop) located in the glial network (syncytium) and embodied in gap junctional plaques. Whereas for the neuronal network of the reticular formation, a computer simulation has already been presented; here, the necessary devices for computation in the whole network are outlined.

Highlights

Introduction and HypothesisA model of synaptic information processing based on glial–neuronal interactions has already been published in this journal [1]
I attempt to elaborate this model for the glial–neuronal interactions in the reticular formation of the brainstem
My hypothetical model is as follows: Since astrocytes determine the function of the neuronal system in the reticular formation, astrocytes must be interconnected via gap junctions building a network, called syncytium

Summary

Introduction

Introduction and HypothesisA model of synaptic information processing based on glial–neuronal interactions has already been published in this journal [1]. My hypothetical model is as follows: Since astrocytes determine the function of the neuronal system in the reticular formation, astrocytes must be interconnected via gap junctions building a network, called syncytium. As already hypothesized [5], the glial syncytium may generate intentional programs whose realization is dependent on information from the neuronal system computed from the inner and outer environment.

Results

Conclusion