Astrocyte gap junctions and Kir channels contribute to K⁺ buffering and regulate neuronal excitability.

ABSTRACT: Astrocytes are connected in a functional syncytium via gap junctions, which is thought to contribute to maintenance of extracellular K⁺ homeostasis. The prevailing hypothesis is that K⁺ released during neuronal firing is taken up by astrocytes via K_ir channels and then distributed among neighboring astrocytes via gap junctions. Previous reports examining the role of K_ir channels and gap junctions have shown both hyperexcitability and depression when each mechanism is blocked. Here, we tested the effect of blocking K_ir channels and gap junctions, both independently and simultaneously, on field activity of cortical slices in response to a 3 s, 20 Hz stimulation train. Independently blocking either K_ir channels or gap junctions

SUBMITTER: Bojovic D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11844422 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature