Neural activity induces strongly coupled electro-chemo-mechanical interactions and fluid flow in astrocyte networks and extracellular space-A computational study

• Published in: PLoS computational biology Vol. 19; no. 7; p. e1010996
• Main Authors: Sætra, Marte J, Ellingsrud, Ada J, Rognes, Marie E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 01.07.2023; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Astrocytes; Astrocytes - metabolism; Biology and Life Sciences; Brain; Brain - metabolism; Brain research; Cancer; Cell membranes; Chemical properties; Chemotherapy; Computational neuroscience; Diffusion; Electric properties; Electrochemistry; Extracellular Fluid - metabolism; Extracellular matrix; Extracellular Space - metabolism; Fluid dynamics; Fluid flow; Homeostasis; Intracellular; Mechanical properties; Mechanical stimuli; Membranes; Networks; Neural circuitry; Neurons; Neurophysiology; Neurosciences; Osmosis; Physical Sciences; Physiological aspects; Solute transport; Velocity; Norway
• ISSN: 1553-7358; 1553-734X; 1553-7358
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010996

The complex interplay between chemical, electrical, and mechanical factors is fundamental to the function and homeostasis of the brain, but the effect of electrochemical gradients on brain interstitial fluid flow, solute transport, and clearance remains poorly quantified. Here, via in-silico experiments based on biophysical modeling, we estimate water movement across astrocyte cell membranes, within astrocyte networks, and within the extracellular space (ECS) induced by neuronal activity, and quantify the relative role of different forces (osmotic, hydrostatic, and electrical) on transport and fluid flow under such conditions. We find that neuronal activity alone may induce intracellular fluid velocities in astrocyte networks of up to 14μm/min, and fluid velocities in the ECS of similar magnitude. These velocities are dominated by an osmotic contribution in the intracellular compartment; without it, the estimated fluid velocities drop by a factor of ×34-45. Further, the compartmental fluid flow has a pronounced effect on transport: advection accelerates ionic transport within astrocytic networks by a factor of ×1-5 compared to diffusion alone.