Ion dynamics at the energy-deprived tripartite synapse
Fig 9
Neuronal stimulation upon recovery from ED shows different glutamate transients as compared to neuronal stimulation in a pathological state.
Recovery from ED is achieved by blocking neuronal voltage-gated Na+ channels (A) and blocking neuronal voltge-gated K+ channels (B). Glutamate in the cleft (green trace) and neuronal membrane potential (blue trace) are shown, in response to neuronal excitation in physiological and pathological conditions. First, ED is simulated between t = 5 and t = 20 minutes (Pmin = 50%, αe = 80%). Then, neurons are subjected to 25 pA square wave input for 10 seconds, as indicated by the black trace. The system is then brought back to the physiological state by blocking voltage-gated Na+ channels (shaded green area). After a little more than an hour, the neurons are subjected again, to 25 pA square wave input for 10 seconds.