Inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channels allow K+ to move more easily into rather than out of the
cell. They have diverse physiological functions depending on their type and their location …

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is one of the most abundant molecules in the brain and is particularly
prevalent in astrocytic membranes at the blood-brain and brain-liquor interfaces. While …

Müller glial cells span the entire thickness of the tissue, and ensheath all retinal neurons, in
vertebrate retinae of all species. This morphological relationship is reflected by a multitude …

A large and complex gene on the X chromosome encodes dystrophin. Many mutations have
been described in this gene, most of which affect the expression of the muscle isoform, the …

Rapid changes in extracellular K+ concentration ([K+] o) in the mammalian CNS are
counteracted by simple passive diffusion as well as by cellular mechanisms of K+ clearance …

Recent work on glial cell physiology has revealed that glial cells, and astrocytes in
particular, are much more actively involved in brain information processing than previously …

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by frameshift mutations in the DMD gene
that prevent the body-wide translation of its protein product, dystrophin. Besides a severe …

Due to their permanent and close proximity to neurons, glial cells perform essential tasks for
the normal physiology of the retina. Astrocytes and Müller cells (retinal macroglia) provide …

Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are characterized by a very negative resting potential and
a high resting permeability for K+ ions. Early pharmacological and biophysical studies …

Background Under normal conditions, Müller cells support neuronal activity and the integrity
of the blood-retinal barrier, whereas gliotic alterations of Müller cells under pathological …