Coupling and uncoupling of amphibian neuroglia

Glial cells in the optic nerve of Necturus are coupled to each other by low resistance pathways which also permit the diffusion of the fluorescent dye Lucifer Yellow CH among the cells. The spread of dye is readily observed as nuclei of cells distant from the site of intracellular injection are stained. By contrast, horseradish peroxidase does not traverse the intercellular pathways. This protein remains in the injected cell. The addition of weak acids (carbonic or propionic) to the bathing medium reversibly uncouples the glia; it blocks the spread of ionic current and Lucifer Yellow among the cells. A block of ionic coupling will block the spatial buffering of potassium by the glial syncytium.