Figure 7.

Neuronal release of glutamate triggers glutamate transporter-mediated mitochondrial matrix acidification in astrocytes. Images depicting fluorescent MitoSypHer expression in astrocytes (a₁) surrounding neurons visible under DIC (a₂). Scale bar, 20 μm. b₁, MitoSypHer fluorescence excitation ratio monitored in astrocytes during a 20 s stimulation of neurons using NMDA (10 μm). Representative trace (b₁) and individual data (b₂) of mitochondrial matrix pH of astrocytes at baseline and after NMDA stimulation. c, Amplitudes of NMDA-evoked astrocyte mitochondrial matrix acidification in the absence or presence of TBOA and neurons. NMDA (n = 9, 16 cells); NMDA + TBOA (n = 5, 7 cells); NMDA without neurons (n = 4, 11 cells). * p < 0.05 and ** p < 0.01 using unpaired Student's t test.