title: The impact of the glial spatial buffering on the K(+) Nernst potential.
abstract: Astrocytes play a critical role in CNS metabolism, regulation of volume and ion homeostasis of the interstitial space. Of special relevance is their clearance of K(+) that is released by active neurons into the extracellular space. Mathematical analysis of a modified Nernst equation for the electrochemical equilibrium of neuronal plasma membranes, suggests that K(+) uptake by glial cells is not only relevant during neuronal activity but also has a non-neglectable impact on the basic electrical membrane properties, specifically the resting membrane potential, of neurons and might be clinically valuable as a factor in the genetics and epigenetics of the epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis complex.
authors.affiliation: Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 294, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Noori