ISSN:
1432-1106
Keywords:
Extracellular space
;
K+ regulation
;
Spatial K+ buffering
;
Epilepsy
;
Cerebral cortex
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The time course of local changes of the extracellular space (ES) was investigated by measuring concentration changes of repeatedly injected tetramethylammonium (TMA+) and choline (Ch+) ions for which cell membranes are largely impermeable. After stimulus-induced extracellular [K+] elevations the δ[TMA+] and δ[Ch+] signals recorded with nominally K+-selective liquid ion-exchanger microelectrodes increased by up to 100%, thus indicating a reduction of the ES down to one half of its initial size. The shrinkage was maximal at sites where the K+ release into the ES was also largest. At very superficial and deep layers, however, considerable increases in extracellular K+ concentration were not accompanied by significant reductions in the ES. These findings can be explained as a consequence of K+ movement through spatially extended cell structures. Calculations based on a model combining the spatial buffer mechanism of Kuffler and Nicholls (1966) to osmolarity changes caused by selective K+ transport through primarily K+ permeable membranes support this concept. Following stimulation additional iontophoretically induced [K+]o rises were reduced in amplitude by up to 35%, even at sites where maximal decreases of the ES were observed. This emphasizes the importance of active uptake for K+ clearance out of the ES.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00236151
