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G Protein-Activated Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channel (GIRK1/KGA) mRNA in Adult Rat Heart and Brain by in Situ Hybridization Histochemistry

https://doi.org/10.1006/mcne.1994.1063Get rights and content

Abstract

GIRK1/KGA (referred to as GIRK1) is a member of the inwardly rectifying K+ channel family and is activated by G protein-linked receptors. The activation of this channel leads to hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane and is fundamental to the control of atrial and neuronal excitability. RNA blotting studies have shown that GIRK1 is expressed in the atrium of the heart and in the brain. We have used in situ hybridization histochemistry to characterize the pattern of expression of GIRK1 mRNA in adult rat heart and brain. In heart, expression of GIRK1 mRNA is homogeneous throughout the atria. There is no significant ventricular expression, although the conduction bundles were not specifically identified. GIRK1 mRNA expression in the brain is widespread with highest levels in the cortex, septum, hippocampus, thalamus, amygdala, cerebellum, and many nuclei of the midbrain and hindbrain, including red nucleus, inferior colliculus, pontine nucleus, nucleus of the solitary tract, and multiple cranial nerve nuclei (motor and sensory components). This detailed map of GIRK1 mRNA expression provides a basis for further study of this important new family of K+ channels.

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  • Localization and Targeting of GIRK Channels in Mammalian Central Neurons

    2015, International Review of Neurobiology
    Citation Excerpt :

    Only weak and diffuse expression is observed in the basal ganglia and globus pallidus. While the distribution of neuronal GIRK mRNA transcripts and proteins in mouse (Kobayashi et al., 1995; Liao et al., 1996) is similar to that of in rat (DePaoli, Bell, & Stoffel, 1994; Karschin et al., 1996; Karschin & Karschin, 1997; Karschin et al., 1994; Liao et al., 1996), a few species differences have been described in the thalamus and cortex. For example, in the mouse thalamus, GIRK2 immunoreactivity is found in many thalamic nuclei, whereas in rat, GIRK2 is observed only in a few such nuclei (Karschin & Karschin, 1997; Liao et al., 1996).

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