Effects of Calcium Channel Noise on Weak Signal Detection in Neuron-Astrocyte Interactions

Abstract

In this study, the effects of electrically non-excitable astrocyte cell on the weak signal detection capacity of Hodgkin-Huxley neuron are investigated. To do this, by applying a subthreshold weak signal to neuron, we investigate the weak signal detection capacity of the neuron depending on calcium channel noise stemmed from random open-close fluctuations of calcium channels. Obtained results show that astrocyte decreases the weak signal detection capacity of Hodgkin-Huxley neuron.