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Potassium‐dependent activation of Kir4.2 K + channels
Author(s) -
Edvinsson Johan M.,
Shah Anish J.,
Palmer Lawrence G.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jphysiol.2011.220731
Subject(s) - chemistry , potassium , xenopus , biophysics , potassium channel , extracellular , patch clamp , voltage clamp , intracellular , membrane potential , analytical chemistry (journal) , biochemistry , biology , receptor , chromatography , organic chemistry , gene
Non‐technical summary The inwardly rectifying potassium channel, Kir4.2, is amongst the members of the Kir family of K + channels whose activity is directly regulated by the external potassium concentration. We show here that, rather than increasing expression of the channel protein, this regulation is accomplished by activation of silent channels already present at the cell surface. Understanding the mechanism of this regulation will aid in understanding the physiological processes in which this subset of K + channels is involved, such as regulation of blood pressure and control of neuronal excitability. It may also help to explain some of the consequences of hyperkalaemia, or excessive potassium, in blood plasma.