Broadcasting to noisy boosters: modulation of astrocytic calcium activity and gliotransmitter release by norepinephrine

Astrocytes can enhance and mediate the effects of norepinephrine on neuronal activity. Norepinephrine projections from locus coeruleus innervate many brain structures, including the cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum, where this neurotransmitter is released from axon boutons extrasynaptically, thus forming a broadcasting neuromodulating signaling. Interaction of norepinephrine with metabotropic adrenoreceptors on the astrocytic membrane leads to increased calcium signaling with downstream effects on efficacy of local synaptic signaling. We propose a simple theoretical model that takes into account neuroastrocytic interaction, focused on the influence of norepinephrine regulation of astrocytic dynamics. A comparative analysis of the formation of calcium waves during spontaneous calcium activity taking into account norepinephrine regulation was carried out.