Comment by SturgeonsLaw
1 year ago
> Here we demonstrate that neural networks synchronize individual action potentials to create large-amplitude, rhythmic and self-perpetuating ionic waves in the interstitial fluid of the brain
This line is the money shot. An action potential is the variable electrical charge of a neuron, and they maintain that charge by containing a certain concentration of ions relative to the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid. This paper proposes that neurons synchonise their charge state, which forces ions to flow in or out of the neurons in bulk, the movement of these ions causing the cerebrospinal fluid to move around, clearing out the accumulated debris.
I’d expect that it’s probably not the ion movement but the global electric field, maybe even mechanical effects in the axons.
If you look at the Goldstein-Katz equations you see that the conductivities play an as important role as the concentrations.
Most of the voltage change is driven by changes in conductivities and not concentration changes, the ion movements across the membrane should be negligible.
Off course you have the free ions outside the cells than diffuse in a field gradient.
*Goldman-(Hodgkin-)Katz equation
Do these wave of stimulation cause dreaming as a side effect?