Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir6.1

Title: Localization of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel subunit (Kir6. 1/uK(ATP)-1) in rat brain.

Authors: M Zhou, O Tanaka, M Sekiguchi, K Sakabe, M Anzai, I Izumida, T Inoue, K Kawahara, H Abe

Journal, date & volume: Brain Res. Mol. Brain Res., 1999 Dec 10 , 74, 15-25

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10640672

Abstract
The Kir6.1/uK(ATP)-1, subunit of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels (K(ATP)), was localized in adult rat brain by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. The mRNA of this subunit was ubiquitously expressed in various neurons and nuclei of the adult rat brain. Interestingly, Kir6.1/uK(ATP)-1 mRNA was also expressed in glial cells. Kir6.1/uK(ATP)-1 protein staining gave a dispersed array of fine dots throughout all neurons and glial cells examined. Under electron microscope, the immunoreactive products were specifically restricted to the mitochondria. The present study indicates that this K(ATP) subunit is localized in the mitochondria and may play a fundamental role in vital brain function.