title: Temporary sequestration of potassium by mitochondria in astrocytes.
abstract: Increases in extracellular potassium concentration ([K(+)](o)), which can occur during neuronal activity and under pathological conditions such as ischemia, lead to a variety of potentially detrimental effects on neuronal function. Although astrocytes are known to contribute to the clearance of excess K(+)(o), the mechanisms are not fully understood. We examined the potential role of mitochondria in sequestering K(+) in astrocytes. Astrocytes were loaded with the fluorescent K(+) indicator PBFI and release of K(+) from mitochondria into the cytoplasm was examined after uncoupling the mitochondrial membrane potential with carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP). Under the experimental conditions employed, transient applications of elevated [K(+)](o) led to increases in K(+) within mitochondria, as assessed by increases in the magnitudes of cytoplasmic [K(+)] ([K(+)](i)) transients evoked by brief exposures to CCCP. When mitochondrial K(+) sequestration was impaired by prolonged application of CCCP, there was a robust increase in [K(+)](i) upon exposure to elevated [K(+)](o). Blockade of plasmalemmal K(+) uptake routes by ouabain, Ba(2+), or a mixture of voltage-activated K(+) channel inhibitors reduced K(+) uptake into mitochondria. Also, reductions in mitochondrial K(+) uptake occurred in the presence of mito-K(ATP) channel inhibitors. Rises in [K(+)](i) evoked by brief applications of CCCP following exposure to high [K(+)](o) were also reduced by gap junction blockers and in astrocytes isolated from connexin43-null mice, suggesting that connexins also play a role in K(+) uptake into astrocyte mitochondria. We conclude that mitochondria play a key role in K(+)(o) handling by astrocytes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Kozoriz
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Church
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ozog
authors.forename: Christian C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Naus
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Krebs
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes; D001572:Benzofurans / Q000494:pharmacology; D002258:Carbonyl Cyanide m-Chlorophenyl Hydrazone / Q000494:pharmacology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018031:Connexin 43 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004988:Ethers, Cyclic / Q000494:pharmacology; D053078:Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014475:Uncoupling Agents / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D001572:Benzofurans; D018031:Connexin 43; D004988:Ethers, Cyclic; C543076:GJA1 protein, mouse; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated; D014475:Uncoupling Agents; C073886:potassium-binding benzofuran isophthalate; D002258:Carbonyl Cyanide m-Chlorophenyl Hydrazone; D011188:Potassium