Title: Regulation of IRK3 inward rectifier K+ channel by m1 acetylcholine receptor and intracellular magnesium.

Authors: H Chuang, Y N Jan, L Y Jan

Journal, date & volume: Cell, 1997 Jun 27 , 89, 1121-32

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9215634

Abstract
Inward rectifier K+ channels control the cell's membrane potential and neuronal excitability. We report that the IRK3 but not the IRK1 inward rectifier K+ channel activity is inhibited by m1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. This m1 modulation cannot be accounted for by protein kinase C, Ca2+, or channel phosphorylation, but can be mimicked by Mg2+. Based on quantitative analyses of IRK3 and two different IRK1 mutant channels bestowed with sensitivity to m1 modulation, we suggest that the resting Mg2+ level causes chronic inhibition of IRK3 channels, and m1 receptor stimulation may lead to an increase of cytoplasmic Mg2+ concentration and further channel inhibition, due to the ability of Mg2+ to lead these channels into a prolonged inactivated state.