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Simultaneous Imaging of Microglial Dynamics and Neuronal Activity in Awake Mice
Published on: August 23, 2022
Spectral imaging microscopy demonstrates cytoplasmic pH oscillations in glial cells
Sergio Sánchez-Armáss1, Souad R Sennoune, Debasish Maiti
1Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology
|September 2, 2005
Summary
Glial cells show varying cytoplasmic pH (pH(cyt)) across different cellular regions, including filopodia. These pH differences and oscillations are influenced by cellular conditions and ion transport mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
- Biophysics
Background:
- Glial cells possess distinct cellular domains, such as somata and filopodia.
- Potential variations in cytoplasmic pH (pH(cyt)) and fluorescent indicator behavior exist across these domains due to microenvironmental differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pH(cyt) heterogeneity and oscillations within discrete cellular domains of glial cells.
- To evaluate the impact of microenvironmental factors on fluorescent pH indicators in situ.
Main Methods:
- Utilized spectral imaging microscopy with carboxyseminaphthorhodafluor (SNARF)-1 to assess pH(cyt) in C6 glial cells.
- Performed in situ titrations within specific cellular regions (somata, filopodia) to calibrate the pH indicator.
- Employed optical imaging with BCECF as a corroborating pH probe.
Main Results:
- Glial cells exhibit significant pH(cyt) heterogeneities and oscillations in both the presence and absence of HCO(3)(-).
- In situ titration parameters showed greater variability than in vitro measurements, necessitating region-specific calibration.
- pH(cyt) oscillation amplitude and frequency were modulated by alkalosis, acidosis, and inhibitors of Na(+)/H(+) exchangers and HCO(3)(-)-dependent transporters.
Conclusions:
- Glial cells display dynamic and spatially heterogeneous cytoplasmic pH.
- Ion transport mechanisms play a crucial role in regulating glial cell pH dynamics.
- High-resolution imaging techniques are essential for accurately measuring pH(cyt) in distinct cellular compartments.
