Computational model for intercellular communication between DRG neurons via satellite glial cells using ATP

Satellite glial cells (SGCs) are supporting cells enveloping and isolating soma of neurons in sensory ganglia such as dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in the peripheral nervous system. Recent studies have shown that they are involved in intercellular communication between neuronal somata within ganglia in chronic pain and inflammatory conditions. One hypothesis proposed for this communication is via release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into extracellular region between soma and its SGCs. ATP release activates adjacent SGCs which then transfer their activity to other non-activated SGCs via gap junctions. The activated SGCs then release ATP into the extracellular space surrounding the inactive soma leading to its activation. We tested this hypothesis by using a model with 2 DRG neuron somata, their adjacent SGCs connected via gap junctions. All cells were endowed with P2X3 receptor (for ATP) along with release and uptake mechanisms of ATP. The model showed that release of ATP from one DRG neuron soma can induce activity in the neighbouring neuron soma via SGCs. Hence, neuromodulation of the components of such communication can be explored for pain relief.