Discrete modeling of neuronal interactions in multi-neurotransmitter networks

The paper presents a discrete model of nonsynaptic interactions between neurons of different transmitter phenotypes. The absence of synapses is aimed to demonstrate the importance of heterochemical interactions in the nervous system. In this model, all communications within the ensemble are broadcast: a neuron releases its specific neurotransmitter, and the signal can be received by every other neuron if the latter is sensitive to this neurotransmitter. The model simulates the generation by natural neuronal ensembles of a temporal pattern of output activity, and is aimed to explain the ability to rapidly reconfigure the pattern. Neurons are described as finite-state machines. We discuss and justify the choice of the discrete mathematical framework for modeling the heterochemical interactions in neuronal networks.