1
|
Fischer RA, Roux AL, Wareham LK, Sappington RM. Pressure-dependent modulation of inward-rectifying K + channels: implications for cation homeostasis and K + dynamics in glaucoma. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2019; 317:C375-C389. [PMID: 31166711 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00444.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, resulting from degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which form the optic nerve. Prior to structural degeneration, RGCs exhibit physiological deficits. Müller glia provide homeostatic regulation of ions that supports RGC physiology through a process called K+ siphoning. Recent studies suggest that several retinal conditions, including glaucoma, involve changes in the expression of K+ channels in Müller glia. To clarify whether glaucoma-related stressors directly alter expression and function of K+ channels in Müller glia, we examined changes in the expression of inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channels and two-pore domain (K2P) channels in response to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in vivo and in vitro in primary cultures of Müller glia exposed to elevated hydrostatic pressure. We then measured outcomes of cell health, cation homeostasis, and cation flux in Müller glia cultures. Transcriptome analysis in a murine model of microbead-induced glaucoma revealed pressure-dependent downregulation of Kir and K2P channels in vivo. Changes in the expression and localization of Kir and K2P channels in response to elevated pressure were also found in Müller glia in vitro. Finally, we found that elevated pressure compromises the plasma membrane of Müller glia and induces cation dyshomeostasis that involves changes in ion flux through cation channels. Pressure-induced changes in cation flux precede both cation dyshomeostasis and membrane compromise. Our findings have implications for Müller glia responses to pressure-related conditions, i.e., glaucoma, and identify cation dyshomeostasis as a potential contributor to electrophysiological impairment observed in RGCs of glaucomatous retina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Fischer
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Abigail L Roux
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lauren K Wareham
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Rebecca M Sappington
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.,Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hughes S, Foster RG, Peirson SN, Hankins MW. Expression and localisation of two-pore domain (K2P) background leak potassium ion channels in the mouse retina. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46085. [PMID: 28443635 PMCID: PMC5405414 DOI: 10.1038/srep46085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Two-pore domain (K2P) potassium channels perform essential roles in neuronal function. These channels produce background leak type potassium currents that act to regulate resting membrane potential and levels of cellular excitability. 15 different K2P channels have been identified in mammals and these channels perform important roles in a wide number of physiological systems. However, to date there is only limited data available concerning the expression and role of K2P channels in the retina. In this study we conduct the first comprehensive study of K2P channel expression in the retina. Our data show that K2P channels are widely expressed in the mouse retina, with variations in expression detected at different times of day and throughout postnatal development. The highest levels of K2P channel expression are observed for Müller cells (TWIK-1, TASK-3, TRAAK, and TREK-2) and retinal ganglion cells (TASK-1, TREK-1, TWIK-1, TWIK-2 and TWIK-3). These data offer new insight into the channels that regulate the resting membrane potential and electrical activity of retinal cells, and suggests that K2P channels are well placed to act as central regulators of visual signalling pathways. The prominent role of K2P channels in neuroprotection offers novel avenues of research into the treatment of common retinal diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Hughes
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, OMPI G, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Russell G. Foster
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, OMPI G, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Stuart N. Peirson
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, OMPI G, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Mark W. Hankins
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, OMPI G, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pannicke T, Ivo Chao T, Reisenhofer M, Francke M, Reichenbach A. Comparative electrophysiology of retinal Müller glial cells-A survey on vertebrate species. Glia 2016; 65:533-568. [PMID: 27767232 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Müller cells are the dominant macroglial cells in the retina of all vertebrates. They fulfill a variety of functions important for retinal physiology, among them spatial buffering of K+ ions and uptake of glutamate and other neurotransmitters. To this end, Müller cells express inwardly rectifying K+ channels and electrogenic glutamate transporters. Moreover, a lot of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels, aquaporin water channels, and electrogenic transporters are expressed in Müller cells, some of them in a species-specific manner. For example, voltage-dependent Na+ channels are found exclusively in some but not all mammalian species. Whereas a lot of data exist from amphibians and mammals, the results from other vertebrates are sparse. It is the aim of this review to present a survey on Müller cell electrophysiology covering all classes of vertebrates. The focus is on functional studies, mainly performed using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. However, data about the expression of membrane channels and transporters from immunohistochemistry are also included. Possible functional roles of membrane channels and transporters are discussed. Obviously, electrophysiological properties involved in the main functions of Müller cells developed early in vertebrate evolution. GLIA 2017;65:533-568.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Pannicke
- Paul-Flechsig-Institut für Hirnforschung, Abteilung Pathophysiologie der Neuroglia, Universität Leipzig, Germany
| | - T Ivo Chao
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical School Göttingen, Germany
| | - Miriam Reisenhofer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mike Francke
- Paul-Flechsig-Institut für Hirnforschung, Abteilung Pathophysiologie der Neuroglia, Universität Leipzig, Germany
- Sächsischer Inkubator für klinische Translation (SIKT), Universität Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Reichenbach
- Paul-Flechsig-Institut für Hirnforschung, Abteilung Pathophysiologie der Neuroglia, Universität Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
|
5
|
Zayas-Santiago A, Agte S, Rivera Y, Benedikt J, Ulbricht E, Karl A, Dávila J, Savvinov A, Kucheryavykh Y, Inyushin M, Cubano LA, Pannicke T, Veh RW, Francke M, Verkhratsky A, Eaton MJ, Reichenbach A, Skatchkov SN. Unidirectional photoreceptor-to-Müller glia coupling and unique K+ channel expression in Caiman retina. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97155. [PMID: 24831221 PMCID: PMC4022631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Müller cells, the principal glial cells of the vertebrate retina, are fundamental for the maintenance and function of neuronal cells. In most vertebrates, including humans, Müller cells abundantly express Kir4.1 inwardly rectifying potassium channels responsible for hyperpolarized membrane potential and for various vital functions such as potassium buffering and glutamate clearance; inter-species differences in Kir4.1 expression were, however, observed. Localization and function of potassium channels in Müller cells from the retina of crocodiles remain, hitherto, unknown. Methods We studied retinae of the Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus fuscus), endowed with both diurnal and nocturnal vision, by (i) immunohistochemistry, (ii) whole-cell voltage-clamp, and (iii) fluorescent dye tracing to investigate K+ channel distribution and glia-to-neuron communications. Results Immunohistochemistry revealed that caiman Müller cells, similarly to other vertebrates, express vimentin, GFAP, S100β, and glutamine synthetase. In contrast, Kir4.1 channel protein was not found in Müller cells but was localized in photoreceptor cells. Instead, 2P-domain TASK-1 channels were expressed in Müller cells. Electrophysiological properties of enzymatically dissociated Müller cells without photoreceptors and isolated Müller cells with adhering photoreceptors were significantly different. This suggests ion coupling between Müller cells and photoreceptors in the caiman retina. Sulforhodamine-B injected into cones permeated to adhering Müller cells thus revealing a uni-directional dye coupling. Conclusion Our data indicate that caiman Müller glial cells are unique among vertebrates studied so far by predominantly expressing TASK-1 rather than Kir4.1 K+ channels and by bi-directional ion and uni-directional dye coupling to photoreceptor cells. This coupling may play an important role in specific glia-neuron signaling pathways and in a new type of K+ buffering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Zayas-Santiago
- Departments of Pathology, Biochemistry and Physiology, Universidad Central Del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Silke Agte
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Division of Soft Matter Physics, Department of Physics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Yomarie Rivera
- Departments of Pathology, Biochemistry and Physiology, Universidad Central Del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Jan Benedikt
- Departments of Pathology, Biochemistry and Physiology, Universidad Central Del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Elke Ulbricht
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anett Karl
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - José Dávila
- Departments of Pathology, Biochemistry and Physiology, Universidad Central Del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Alexey Savvinov
- Department of Physical Sciences, Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Río Piedras, Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Yuriy Kucheryavykh
- Departments of Pathology, Biochemistry and Physiology, Universidad Central Del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Mikhail Inyushin
- Departments of Pathology, Biochemistry and Physiology, Universidad Central Del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Luis A. Cubano
- Departments of Pathology, Biochemistry and Physiology, Universidad Central Del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Thomas Pannicke
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Mike Francke
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine (TRM) University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Misty J. Eaton
- Departments of Pathology, Biochemistry and Physiology, Universidad Central Del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Andreas Reichenbach
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Serguei N. Skatchkov
- Departments of Pathology, Biochemistry and Physiology, Universidad Central Del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
|
7
|
The two-pore domain K+ channel TASK-1 is closely associated with brain barriers and meninges. J Mol Histol 2010; 41:315-23. [PMID: 20835844 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-010-9293-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2010] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Impairment of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier and brain-CSF barrier has been implicated in neuropathology of several brain disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral edema, multiple sclerosis, neural inflammation, ischemia and stroke. Two-pore domain weakly inward rectifying K+ channel (TWIK)-related acid-sensitive potassium (TASK)-1 channels (K2p3.1; KCNK3) are among the targets that contribute to the development of these pathologies. For example TASK-1 activity is inhibited by acidification, ischemia, hypoxia and several signaling molecules released under pathologic conditions. We have used immuno-histochemistry to examine the distribution of the TASK-1 protein in structures associated with the BBB, blood-CSF barrier, brain-CSF barrier, and in the meninges of adult rat. Dense TASK-1 immuno-reactivity (TASK-1-IR) was observed in ependymal cells lining the fourth ventricle at the brain-CSF interface, in glial cells that ensheath the walls of blood vessels at the glio-vascular interface, and in the meninges. In these structures, TASK-1-IR often co-localized with glial fibrillary associated protein (GFAP) or vimentin. This study provides anatomical evidence for localization of TASK-1 K+ channels in cells that segregate distinct fluid compartments within and surrounding the brain. We suggest that TASK-1 channels, in coordination with other ion channels (e.g., aquaporins and chloride channels) and transporters (e.g., Na+-K+-ATPase and Na+-K+-2Cl⁻ and by virtue of its heterogeneous distribution, may differentially contribute to the varying levels of K+ vital for cellular function in these compartments. Our findings are likely to be relevant to recently reported roles of TASK-1 in cerebral ischemia, stroke and inflammatory brain disorders.
Collapse
|
8
|
|
9
|
KUCHERYAVYKH YURIYV, SHUBA YAROSLAVM, ANTONOV SERGEIM, INYUSHIN MIKHAILY, CUBANO LUIS, PEARSON WADEL, KURATA HARLEY, REICHENBACH ANDREAS, VEH RÜDIGERW, NICHOLS COLING, EATON MISTYJ, SKATCHKOV SERGUEIN. Complex rectification of Müller cell Kir currents. Glia 2008; 56:775-90. [PMID: 18293411 PMCID: PMC9930535 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Although Kir4.1 channels are the major inwardly rectifying channels in glial cells and are widely accepted to support K+- and glutamate-uptake in the nervous system, the properties of Kir4.1 channels during vital changes of K+ and polyamines remain poorly understood. Therefore, the present study examined the voltage-dependence of K+ conductance with varying physiological and pathophysiological external [K+] and intrapipette spermine ([SP]) concentrations in Müller glial cells and in tsA201 cells expressing recombinant Kir4.1 channels. Two different types of [SP] block were characterized: "fast" and "slow." Fast block was steeply voltage-dependent, with only a low sensitivity to spermine and strong dependence on extracellular potassium concentration, [K+]o. Slow block had a strong voltage sensitivity that begins closer to resting membrane potential and was essentially [K+]o-independent, but with a higher spermine- and [K+]i-sensitivity. Using a modified Woodhull model and fitting i/V curves from whole cell recordings, we have calculated free [SP](in) in Müller glial cells as 0.81 +/- 0.24 mM. This is much higher than has been estimated previously in neurons. Biphasic block properties underlie a significantly varying extent of rectification with [K+] and [SP]. While confirming similar properties of glial Kir and recombinant Kir4.1, the results also suggest mechanisms underlying K+ buffering in glial cells: When [K+]o is rapidly increased, as would occur during neuronal excitation, "fast block" would be relieved, promoting potassium influx to glial cells. Increase in [K+]in would then lead to relief of "slow block," further promoting K+-influx.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- YURIY V. KUCHERYAVYKH
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR
| | - YAROSLAV M. SHUBA
- International Center of Molecular Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kiev, 01024 Ukraine
| | - SERGEI M. ANTONOV
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, 194223 Russia
| | - MIKHAIL Y. INYUSHIN
- Department of Physiology, Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR
| | - LUIS CUBANO
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR
| | - WADE L. PEARSON
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - HARLEY KURATA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - ANDREAS REICHENBACH
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Leipzig University, D-04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - RÜDIGER W. VEH
- Institute of Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité, Philipstrasse 12, Berlin, Germany
| | - COLIN G. NICHOLS
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - MISTY J. EATON
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR
| | - SERGUEI N. SKATCHKOV
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR,Department of Physiology, Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR,Correspondence to: S. N. Skatchkov, Departments of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Box 60-327, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, USA 00960-6032.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Butt AM, Kalsi A. Inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Kir) in central nervous system glia: a special role for Kir4.1 in glial functions. J Cell Mol Med 2006; 10:33-44. [PMID: 16563220 PMCID: PMC3933100 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2006.tb00289.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2005] [Accepted: 02/15/2006] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glia in the central nervous system (CNS) express diverse inward rectifying potassium channels (Kir). The major function of Kir is in establishing the high potassium (K+) selectivity of the glial cell membrane and strongly negative resting membrane potential (RMP), which are characteristic physiological properties of glia. The classical property of Kir is that K+ flows inwards when the RMP is negative to the equilibrium potential for K+ (E(K)), but at more positive potentials outward currents are inhibited. This provides the driving force for glial uptake of K+ released during neuronal activity, by the processes of "K+ spatial buffering" and "K+ siphoning", considered a key function of astrocytes, the main glial cell type in the CNS. Glia express multiple Kir channel subtypes, which are likely to have distinct functional roles related to their differences in conductance, and sensitivity to intracellular and extracellular factors, including pH, ATP, G-proteins, neurotransmitters and hormones. A feature of CNS glia is their specific expression of the Kir4.1 subtype, which is a major K+ conductance in glial cell membranes and has a key role in setting the glial RMP. It is proposed that Kir4.1 have a primary function in K+ regulation, both as homomeric channels and as heteromeric channels by co-assembly with Kir5.1 and probably Kir2.0 subtypes. Significantly, Kir4.1 are also expressed by oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells of the CNS, and the genetic ablation of Kir4.1 results in severe hypomyelination. Hence, Kir, and in particular Kir4.1, are key regulators of glial functions, which in turn determine neuronal excitability and axonal conduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur M Butt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, U.K.
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Skatchkov SN, Eaton MJ, Shuba YM, Kucheryavykh YV, Derst C, Veh RW, Wurm A, Iandiev I, Pannicke T, Bringmann A, Reichenbach A. Tandem-pore domain potassium channels are functionally expressed in retinal (Müller) glial cells. Glia 2005; 53:266-76. [PMID: 16265669 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Tandem-pore domain (2P-domain) K+-channels regulate neuronal excitability, but their function in glia, particularly, in retinal glial cells, is unclear. We have previously demonstrated the immunocytochemical localization of the 2P-domain K+ channels TASK-1 and TASK-2 in retinal Müller glial cells of amphibians. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether these channels were functional, by employing whole-cell recording from frog and mammalian (guinea pig, rat and mouse) Müller cells and confocal microscopy to monitor swelling in rat Müller cells. TASK-like immunolabel was localized in these cells. The currents mediated by 2P-domain channels were studied in isolation after blocking Kir, K(A), K(D), and BK channels. The remaining cell conductance was mostly outward and was depressed by acid pH, bupivacaine, methanandamide, quinine, and clofilium, and activated by alkaline pH in a manner consistent with that described for TASK channels. Arachidonic acid (an activator of TREK channels) had no effect on this conductance. Blockade of the conductance with bupivacaine depolarized the Müller cell membrane potential by about 50%. In slices of the rat retina, adenosine inhibited osmotic glial cell swelling via activation of A1 receptors and subsequent opening of 2P-domain K+ channels. The swelling was strongly increased by clofilium and quinine (inhibitors of 2P-domain K+ channels). These data suggest that 2P-domain K+ channels are involved in homeostasis of glial cell volume, in activity-dependent spatial K+ buffering and may play a role in maintenance of a hyperpolarized membrane potential especially in conditions where Kir channels are blocked or downregulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S N Skatchkov
- CMBN, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico 00960-6032.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Schopf S, Ruge H, Bringmann A, Reichenbach A, Skatchkov SN. Switch of K+ buffering conditions in rabbit retinal Müller glial cells during postnatal development. Neurosci Lett 2004; 365:167-70. [PMID: 15246541 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2004.04.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2004] [Revised: 04/27/2004] [Accepted: 04/28/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although spatial buffering of excess extracellular K+ by K+ channels is a main function of retinal glial (Müller) cells, there are severe limitations to long distance K+-spatial buffering that have been predicted for (immature) glial cells: (i) a lack of inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channels [Glia 21(1997) 46]; and (ii) high internal resistance of outgrowing (cable like) processes [W. Rall, Handbook of Physiology, Section 1, vol. 1, Part 1, American Physiological Society, Bethesda, 1977, pp. 39-97]. In order to determine if changes in developing Müller cells improve or worsen their capability of carrying K+ spatial buffering currents, we compared the whole-cell currents of acutely isolated Müller cells at 5, 11 and 28 postnatal days of rabbits. Both K+-spatial buffer limitations described above were found in early postnatal stage (5 days), however, the cells overcome these limitations shortly after 11 days. During the period of 11-28 days, rabbit Müller cells simultaneously increase stalk axial conductance and express Kir channels. Both processes take place during the critical stage of retinal maturation, and should dramatically improve "cable" K+-spatial buffering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schopf
- Department of Neurophysiology, Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, University of Leipzig, D-04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|