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Abstract

Excitatory neuronal activity results in the influx of Na+ through voltage- and ligand-gated channels. Recovery from accompanying increases in intracellular Na+ concentrations ([Na+]i) is mainly mediated by the Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) and is one of the major energy-consuming processes in the brain. Here, we analysed the relation between different patterns of activity-induced [Na+]i signalling and ATP in mouse hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons by Na+ imaging with sodium-binding benzofurane isophthalate (SBFI) and employing the genetically encoded nanosensor ATeam1.03YEMK (ATeam). In situ calibrations demonstrated a sigmoidal dependence of the ATeam Förster resonance energy transfer ratio on the intracellular ATP concentration ([ATP]i) with an apparent KD of 2.6 mm, indicating its suitability for [ATP]i measurement. Induction of recurrent network activity resulted in global [Na+]i oscillations with amplitudes of ∼10 mm, encompassing somata and dendrites. These were accompanied by a steady decline in [ATP]i by 0.3–0.4 mm in both compartments. Global [Na+]i transients, induced by afferent fibre stimulation or bath application of glutamate, caused delayed, transient decreases in [ATP]i as well. Brief focal glutamate application that evoked transient local Na+ influx into a dendrite, however, did not result in a measurable reduction in [ATP]i. Our results suggest that ATP consumption by the NKA following global [Na+]i transients temporarily overrides its availability, causing a decrease in [ATP]i. Locally restricted Na+ transients, however, do not result in detectable changes in local [ATP]i, suggesting that ATP production, together with rapid intracellular diffusion of both ATP and Na+ from and to unstimulated neighbouring regions, counteracts a local energy shortage under these conditions.