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Electrodiffusive Model for Astrocytic and Neuronal Ion Concentration Dynamics

Figure 6

Membrane mechanisms involved in spatial K⁺-buffering.

(A) The K⁺ reversal potential () was more negative than at all points along the -axis. The Kir-channel thus exclusively mediated an outward K⁺-current. (B) In the input zone was close to , and the outward Kir-current was small compared to the inward current through the Na⁺/K⁺-pump. In the decay zone, the outward Kir-current was bigger, and dominated over the inward current through the Na⁺/K⁺-pump. Therefore, the astrocyte took up up K⁺ in the input zone, and released K⁺ in the decay zone (as indicated by arrows in (B)).

doi: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003386.g006