Ephaptic Coupling: Mending our ways of understanding Brain

How do neurons communicate with each other? Our conventional understanding of the process of neuronal communication is solely based on the intersections of synapses, generation of direct electric signals mediated by interactions of a wide array of neurotransmitters. This foundational concept, though justified most pathways but left some gaps in context of several mysterious phenomena associated with the functioning of our brain.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have come forth with a revolutionary finding—a new form of neuronal communication that expands beyond traditional models. This discovery adds to our knowledge about modes of signal transduction via neural networks and provides a different angle to the field of treatments linked to neurological disorders.

Ephaptic coupling, a novel and invisible mode of communication which explains how neurons can communicate through weak electric fields and transmit messages without any direct physical contact or synaptic connection between the neurons. Through synchronized activity, neurons generate weak electric fields that create self-propagating electrical waves. These waves are capable of depolarizing other neurons in the vicinity without having a direct synaptic connection. Experiments have demonstrated that these electric fields can “jump” across physical distances between brain cells, suggesting a hidden network for transmitting information. Researchers used advanced imaging and electrophysiology techniques to track these electric signals in real time. 

This mode of communication could explain abnormal brain activity as seen in conditions like Epilepsy, migraines and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, shedding light on their modes of propagation. In cases of brain injury, this type of communication could compensate for lost synaptic connections resulting in stroke recovery. This signaling web could fast-track the development of neuroprosthetic devices and brain implants. Weak electric fields might be employed to reconnect damaged brain regions without surgery. This form of communication can also allow researchers to design artificial neural networks that can mimic the human brain, opening new avenues linked to AI in Neuroscience.

Scientists are also looking to comprehend the exact correlation of these electric waves in basic physiological processes like memory consolidation, development of cognitive behaviors, etc.

Although, for now, the research lies in an initial stage, it has unlocked our perspective of neural science by providing a transformative approach towards numerous possible future diagnostics and treatments in fields of neurotechnology.

Reference:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/discovery-rewrites-brain-communication-rules-new-cs-claudiu-6hhof