Astrocytes regulate brain extracellular pH via a neuronal activity-dependent bicarbonate shuttle.

ABSTRACT: Brain cells continuously produce and release protons into the extracellular space, with the rate of acid production corresponding to the levels of neuronal activity and metabolism. Efficient buffering and removal of excess H⁺ is essential for brain function, not least because all the electrogenic and biochemical machinery of synaptic transmission is highly sensitive to changes in pH. Here, we describe an astroglial mechanism that contributes to the protection of the brain milieu from acidification. In vivo and in vitro experiments conducted in rodent models show that at least one third of all astrocytes release bicarbonate to buffer extracellular H⁺ loads associated with increases in neuronal activity. The underlying signalling mechanism involves activity-dependent re

SUBMITTER: Theparambil SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7545092 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature