Figure 1.

Balance of hemichannel (HC) regulation in the CNS. HC opening is under tight control, where acute activity helps to maintain molecular gradients, cell homeostasis, and autocrine/paracine signaling. A slight disruption of this balance, as can occur during neurodegenerative diseases and inflammatory signals, causes increased HC opening. Chronic HC activity can result in the ablation of vital molecular gradients, toxin release into the extracellular milieu, and potentiation of glial activation and neuron death.