Astrocytic NMDA Receptors Modulate the Dynamics of Continuous Attractors

Abstract: Neuronal networking supports complex brain functions, with neurotransmitters facilitating communication through chemical synapses. The release probability of neurotransmitters varies and is influenced by pre-synaptic neuronal activity. Recent findings suggest that blocking astrocytic N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors reduces this variation. However, the theoretical implications of this reduction on neuronal dynamics have not been thoroughly investigated. Utilizing continuous attractor neural network (CANN) models with short-term synaptic depression (STD), we explore the effects of reduced release probability variation. Our results show that blocking astrocytic NMDA receptors stabilizes attractor states and diminishes their mobility. These insights enhance our understanding of NMDA receptors' role in astrocytes and their broader impact on neural computation and memory, with potential implications for neurological conditions involving NMDA receptor antagonists.