| First Author | Schröder W | Year | 2002 |
| Journal | Mol Cell Neurosci | Volume | 19 |
| Issue | 3 | Pages | 447-58 |
| PubMed ID | 11906215 | Mgi Jnum | J:75867 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:2177978 | Doi | 10.1006/mcne.2001.1080 |
| Citation | Schroder W, et al. (2002) AMPA receptor-mediated modulation of inward rectifier k(+) channels in astrocytes of mouse hippocampus. Mol Cell Neurosci 19(3):447-58 |
| abstractText | Astrocytes and neurons are tightly associated and recent data suggest a direct signaling between neuronal and glial cells in vivo. To further analyze these interactions, the patch-clamp technique was combined with single-cell RT-PCR in acute hippocampal brain slices. Subsequent to functional analysis, the cytoplasm of the same cell was harvested to perform transcript analysis and identify subunits that underlie inwardly rectifying K(+) currents (I(Kir)) in astrocytes of the CA1 stratum radiatum. Transcripts encoding Kir2.1, Kir2.2, or Kir2.3, were encountered in a majority of cells, while Kir4.1 was less frequent. Further investigation revealed that glial Kir channels are rapidly inhibited upon activation of AMPA-type glutamate receptors, most probably due a receptor-mediated influx of Na(+), which plugs the channels from the intracellular side. A transient inhibition of I(Kir) in astrocytes in response to neuronal glutamate release and glial AMPA receptor activation represents a further, so far undetected mechanism to balance neuronal excitability. (c)2002 Elsevier Science (USA). |
