Computational Modelling of Calcium Buffering in a Star Shaped Astrocyte

Abstract

Before last two decades, astrocytes were treated as supporting cells of neuron. Now it is regarded as important and strong participant in central nervous system. Astrocytes also play important role in many neuronal disorders like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's etc. Astrocytes release gliotransmitters like glutamate. Astrocytes take part in synapse in calcium dependent manner. However, it is not clear about the effect of astrocyte geometry on calcium distribution. In this study we present a geometry based mathematical model of an astrocytes. Mathematical model is developed in the form of reaction diffusion equation by considering the effect of endogenous and exogenous buffers on cytosolic calcium concentration. In present study it is concluded that the effect of geometry also visible and found significant on cytosolic calcium distribution in astrocytes.