アロスタシス機構の設計原理—自由エネルギー原理

The Design Principle of Allostatic Mechanisms: The Free Energy Principle

決められた範囲内に内臓の状態を維持するホメオスタシスが機能しなくなる前に身体状態を調節する機能が必要であり，これがアロスタシスである。自由エネルギー原理の観点からは，内部状態をアトラクタ状態の集合の範囲内にとどまらせたいという期待を階層的な予測機構によって実現していると言える。本論では，アロスタシスを実現する神経機構ついて自由エネルギー原理に基づき議論する。

Abstract

Homeostasis is maintained by neural reflex controls, which attempt to maintain the body's internal organs within a predetermined range. However, when deviations are significant, homeostasis may not be restored by these standard controls. Therefore, a function called allostasis is necessary to maximize the energy efficiency of bodily functions, anticipate changing needs (e.g., a future increase in body temperature or oxygen demand), and regulate the body's state before dyshomeostasis occurs. In terms of the free energy principle (FEP), the expectation to survive (i.e., to stay within established confines and to maintain homeostatic integrity over time) is realized by a hierarchical prediction mechanism. Allostasis requires the integration of exteroceptive, interoceptive, and proprioceptive signals. In this paper, the neural mechanism of allostasis is discussed in terms of the FEP.