Comment on “Local impermeant anions establish the neuronal chloride concentration”

Glykys et al . (Reports, 7 February 2014, p. 670) conclude that, rather than ion transporters, “local impermeant anions establish the neuronal chloride concentration” and thereby determine “the magnitude and direction of GABA A R currents at individual synapses.” If this were possible, perpetual ion-motion machines could be constructed. The authors’ conclusions conflict with basic thermodynamic principles.