https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-025-02119-4
Regular Article
Computational model of neurogliovascular unit activity integrating ascending arousal system and local neurotransmitter effects
1
Department of Theoretical Physics, Kursk State University, Radishcheva Str., 33, 305000, Kursk, Russia
2
Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1/24, Moscow, Russia
3
Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Miklukho-Maklay Str, 16/10, Moscow, Russia
Received:
20
November
2025
Accepted:
15
December
2025
Published online:
27
December
2025
Neurons, astrocytes, and blood vessels in the cerebral cortex function in accord as a single complex entity, a holistic neurogliovascular unit (NGVU). NGVU activity is orchestrated by concentrations of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and vasoactive metabolites, which provide coupling between the elements of the NGVU. Complex interactions in the NGVU are crucial for maintenance of the healthy brain, and NGVU deficits are associated with various neuropathologies, making it a promising target for diagnostics and therapy. Here, we summarize the regulatory pathways known from experiments that shape the response of the neurogliovascular unit to noradrenergic input against the physiological background of dynamic extracellular concentrations of K
and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), along with a spectrum of interactions between the elements of the NGVU. We build a mathematical model of the NGVU and simulate the changes in neuronal activity in response to variations in norepinephrine concentration (excitatory) and GABA (inhibitory). We construct a multilayered NGVU to represent real tissue sample more accurately. This opens a perspective for simulation-based personalized treatment of neuropathological conditions and prediction of intervention outcome.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
