K_ir 5.1-dependent CO₂ /H⁺ -sensitive currents contribute to astrocyte heterogeneity across brain regions.

ABSTRACT: Astrocyte heterogeneity is an emerging concept in which astrocytes within or between brain regions show variable morphological and/or gene expression profiles that presumably reflect different functional roles. Recent evidence indicates that retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) astrocytes sense changes in tissue CO_2/ H⁺ to regulate respiratory activity; however, mechanism(s) by which they do so remain unclear. Alterations in inward K⁺ currents represent a potential mechanism by which CO₂ /H⁺ signals may be conveyed to neurons. Here, we use slice electrophysiology in rats of either sex to show that RTN astrocytes intrinsically respond to CO₂ /H⁺ by inhibition of an inward rectifying potassium (K_ir ) conductance

SUBMITTER: Patterson KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8665280 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature