Development of a spiking neuron network model that takes into account vascular dynamics

• Grant number: 22/03530-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2022
• End date: December 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Computer Science - Computing Methodologies and Techniques
• Principal Investigator: Cesar Henrique Comin
• Grantee: João Henrique Monchelato dos Santos
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The computational study of biological neural networks, unlike the concept of neural networks in the area of machine learning, involves using the real properties of neurons to simulate the collective dynamics of neuronal cells. The main properties used involve data about the shape, dynamics, and connectivity of neurons. Several analyzes have been performed regarding this type of system in the literature. Recently, neuroscience studies have investigated the important relationship between neurons and blood vessels, including the role of vascularization in various pathologies and developmental problems related to the nervous system. On the other hand, little focus has been given to the creation of computational models to study the influence of vascularization on the dynamics of biological neural networks. In this project, we intend to take a first step toward the creation of a set of computational routines for simulating biological neural networks taking into account tissue vascularization. The model will be created by surveying literature data regarding the interaction between the nervous and vascular systems at the cellular level. We intend to use the model to study the influence of reductions or interruptions in blood flow (ischemia) on the activity of the networks. The developed model may be used in future neuroscience studies regarding neurovascular interactions. (AU)