PMID: 8964980Jan 1, 1996Paper

Properties of retinal glial cell potassium channels

Journal für Hirnforschung
S Brand, W Hanke

Abstract

The patch-clamp technique was used to investigate the nature of potassium channels localised in the end-feet-membrane of Müller (glial) cells of the chicken retina. Two different preparations were used to examine ion channels in this membrane area. The ion channels were investigated either in eye-cup preparation, leaving the retina intact, or in isolated endfeet. In both preparations the ion channels showed identical characteristics. We found three K+ channels that could be distinguished by their electrical properties. In the inside-out configuration, in a standard bathing solution (6 mM potassium) with the pipette solution containing 100 mM potassium, these channels showed conductances of 15 pS, 29 pS and 68 pS. Whereas the 29 pS-channel was not voltage-dependent, the 15 pS- and 68 pS-channel showed significant voltage-dependence of the open-state probability. By membrane depolarisation the open-state probability of both channels types increased. The resting membrane potential of the glial cells was estimated to be about -80 mV, which is, as result of the high selectivity of the glial membranes for K+, more negative than that of retinal neurons.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.