This paper presents a discrete model of non-synaptic interactions between neurons, which are performed
by special chemical agents, neurotransmitters. In this model, all signals are broadcast: each neuron’s
activity can be perceived by all other neurons that are sensitive to its neurotransmitter. The purpose of leaving
synapses out is to demonstrate the importance of heterochemical1 interactions in the nervous system. Transmitter-
specific neurons are described as finite automatons, which are a generalization of the traditional formal
neuron. In a network consisting of such neurons, all connections are functional and not structural. This
feature makes it possible to explain rapid reconfigurations of activity patterns in the generation of different
rhythms by neuron ensembles, which are observed in living systems. We discuss and justify the choice of a
discrete mathematical framework for simulation of heterochemical interactions.