Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir1.1 , Kir4.1 , Kir5.1

Title: Genetic inactivation of KCNJ16 identifies Kir5.1 as an important determinant of neuronal PCO2/pH sensitivity.

Authors: M Cristina D'Adamo, Lijun Shang, Paola Imbrici, Steve D M Brown, Mauro Pessia, Stephen J Tucker

Journal, date & volume: , 2010 Nov 3 , ,

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21047793

Abstract
The molecular identity of ion channels which confer PCO(2)/pH sensitivity in the brain is unclear. Heteromeric Kir4.1/Kir5.1 channels are highly sensitive to inhibition by intracellular pH and are widely expressed in several brainstem nuclei involved in cardiorespiratory control, including the locus coeruleus. This has therefore led to a proposed role for these channels in neuronal CO(2) chemosensitivity. To examine this, we generated mutant mice lacking the Kir5.1 (Kcnj16) gene. We show that although locus coeruleus neurons from Kcnj16((+/+)) mice rapidly respond to cytoplasmic alkalinization and acidification, those from Kcnj16((-/-)) mice display a dramatically reduced and delayed response. These results identify Kir5.1 as an important determinant of PCO(2)/pH sensitivity in locus coeruleus neurons and suggest that Kir5.1 may be involved in the response to hypercapnic acidosis.