# The Causal Role of Astrocytes in Slow-Wave Rhythmogenesis: A Computational Modelling Study

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1702.03993 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1702.03993/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 13 Feb 2017.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Intrinsic Goals for Autonomous Agents: Model-Based Exploration in Virtual Zebrafish Predicts Ethological Behavior and Whole-Brain Dynamics](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2506.00138/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Finding the origin of slow and infra-slow oscillations could reveal or explain brain mechanisms in health and disease. Here, we present a biophysically constrained computational model of a neural network where the inclusion of astrocytes introduced slow and infra-slow-oscillations, through two distinct mechanisms. Specifically, we show how astrocytes can modulate the fast network activity through their slow inter-cellular calcium wave speed and amplitude and possibly cause the oscillatory imbalances observed in diseases commonly known for such abnormalities, namely Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression and ischemic stroke. This work aims to increase our knowledge on how astrocytes and neurons synergize to affect brain function and dysfunction.