Neuronal activity results in release of K(+) into the extracellular space of the central nervous system. If the excess K(+) is allowed to accumulate, neuronal firing will be compromised by the ensuing neuronal membrane depolarization. The surrounding glial cells are involved in clearing K(+) from the extracellular space by molecular mechanism(s), the identity of which have been a matter of controversy for over half a century. Kir4.1-mediated spatial buffering of K(+) has been promoted as a major contributor to K(+) removal although its quantitative and temporal contribution has remained undefined. We discuss the biophysical and experimental challenges regarding determination of the contribution of Kir4.1 to extracellular K(+) management during neuronal activity. It is concluded that 1) the geometry of the experimental preparation is crucial for detection of Kir4.1-mediated spatial buffering and 2) Kir4.1 enacts spatial buffering of K(+) during but not after neuronal activity.
Keywords: Cx30, Connexin 30; Cx43, Connexin 43; Kir, Inward rectifier K+ channel; Kir4.1; NKCC1; NKCC1, Na+/K+/2Cl− cotransporter 1; Na+/K+-ATPase; VK, Equilibrium potential for K+; Veq, Equilibrium potential; Vm, membrane potential; glia; ion transport; potassium clearance; spatial buffering.