title: K+ ion regulation in retina.
abstract: During onset and offset of illumination, considerable changes in extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]c) occur within particular retinal layers. There are two ways in which glial cells may control [K+]c: (1) by space-independent processes, for example, by K+ uptake due to the Na(+)-K+ ATPase, and (2) by space-dependent processes, that is, by spatial buffering currents flowing through K+ channels. Rabbit retinal Müller (glial) cells were studied for expression of mechanisms supporting both kinds of processes. This review demonstrates that rabbit Müller cells have Na-K pumps whose distribution and properties are highly adapted to meet the needs of efficient K+ clearance. Furthermore, spatial buffering currents through specialized K+ channels of Müller cells greatly accelerate retinal K+ clearance during and after stimulation.
authors.affiliation: Carl Ludwig Institute of Physiology, Leipzig University, Germany.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reichenbach
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Henke
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Eberhardt
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Reichelt
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dettmer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology; D012160:Retina / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D015221:Potassium Channels; D011188:Potassium