G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons
Abstract
Aim: G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels (GIRK) are important
for neuronal signaling and membrane excitability. In the present study,
we intend to find whether GIRK channels express functionally in adult rat dorsal
root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Methods: We used RT-PCR to detect mRNA for
4 subunits of GIRK in the adult DRG. The whole-cell patch clamp recording
was used to confirm GIRK channels functionally expressed. Results: The mRNA
for the 4 subunits of GIRK were detected in the adult DRG. GTPγS enhanced
inwardly rectifying potassium (K+) currents of the DRG neurons, while Ba2+
inhibited such currents. Furthermore, the GIRK channels were shown to be
coupled to the GABAB receptor, a member of the G protein-coupled receptor
family, as baclofen increased the inwardly rectifying K+ currents. Conclusion:
GIRK channels are expressed and functionally coupled with GABAB receptors
in adult rat DRG neurons.
Keywords:
for neuronal signaling and membrane excitability. In the present study,
we intend to find whether GIRK channels express functionally in adult rat dorsal
root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Methods: We used RT-PCR to detect mRNA for
4 subunits of GIRK in the adult DRG. The whole-cell patch clamp recording
was used to confirm GIRK channels functionally expressed. Results: The mRNA
for the 4 subunits of GIRK were detected in the adult DRG. GTPγS enhanced
inwardly rectifying potassium (K+) currents of the DRG neurons, while Ba2+
inhibited such currents. Furthermore, the GIRK channels were shown to be
coupled to the GABAB receptor, a member of the G protein-coupled receptor
family, as baclofen increased the inwardly rectifying K+ currents. Conclusion:
GIRK channels are expressed and functionally coupled with GABAB receptors
in adult rat DRG neurons.