G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons

Authors: GAO, Xiao-fei¹; ZHANG, Hai-lin²; YOU, Zhen-dong¹; LU, Chang-lin¹; HE, Cheng

Source: Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, Volume 28, Number 2, February 2007 , pp. 185-190(6)

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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. GTP_γS 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 GABA_B 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 GABA_B receptors in adult rat DRG neurons.

Keywords: GIRK; DRG neuron; G protein coupled receptors; potassium channels

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-7254.2007.00478.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Neurobiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China 2: Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 05001 7, China

Publication date: 2007-02-01