Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir1.1 , Kir4.1

Title: Possible roles of the weakly inward rectifying k+ channel Kir4.1 (KCNJ10) in the pre-Bötzinger complex.

Authors: Nestoras Papadopoulos, Stefan M Winter, Kai Härtel, Melanie Kaiser, Clemens Neusch, Swen Hülsmann

Journal, date & volume: Adv. Exp. Med. Biol., 2008 , 605, 109-13

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18085256

Abstract
Rhythmic activity of respiratory neurons is dependent on the clearance of neurotransmitter by astrocytes. Astrocytes should also be involved in the permanent and rapid clearance of extracellular ions. We analyzed the expression of the weakly inwardly rectifying K+ channel Kir4.1 (KCNJ10) in the respiratory network and studied the possible functions for neuronal activity in the pre-Bötzinger complex.