Electrophysiology of rabbit Müller (glial) cells in experimental retinal detachment and PVR.

Abstract

Reactive Müller cells are characterized by a severe reduction of their K+ inward conductance, accompanied by depolarized membrane potentials. These changes must impair physiological glial functions, such as neurotransmitter recycling and K+ ion clearance. Furthermore, the open probability of certain types of voltage-dependent ion channels (e.g., Ca2+-dependent K+ maxi channels) increases that may be a precondition for Müller cell proliferation, particularly in PVR when a dramatic downregulation of both inward current density and resting membrane potential occurs.