Biophysically based computational models of astrocyte ~ neuron coupling and their functional significance

Neuroscientists are becoming increasingly interested in modeling brain functions however, capturing underlying biophysical mechanisms requires plausible, biologically realistic models at the cellular level. [...]the (often conflicting) demands of biological realism and computational tractability have to be accommodated. Model simulations demonstrate that astrocytes are capable of bidirectional communication with neurons and that indirect signaling through retrograde messengers, such as endocannabinoids, leads to modulation of synaptic transmission probability. [...]while the papers in this special topic are representative of current thinking in the field, they also draw attention to the fact that research into astrocytes and their interaction with neurons is still very much in the embryo stage.