G protein-gated K+ channel (GIRK1) protein is expressed presynaptically in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1996 Mar 18;220(2):300-5. doi: 10.1006/bbrc.1996.0400.

Abstract

We prepared a specific antibody against GIRK1, the major subunit of the G protein-gated K+ (KG) channel. Immunohistochemical study revealed that GIRK1 immunoreactivity was detected in the presynaptic, but not in the postsynaptic, region in the paraventricular nucleus of the rat hypothalamus (PVN). Therefore, activation of the KG channel may underlie presynaptic inhibition of neurotransmitter release by various agonists, such as dopamine, noradrenaline, opioids, and histamine, in PVN.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Axons / metabolism
  • Chlorides / metabolism
  • Dendrites / metabolism
  • Electric Conductivity
  • G Protein-Coupled Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channels
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Ion Channel Gating / physiology*
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Molecular Weight
  • Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus / metabolism*
  • Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus / ultrastructure
  • Potassium Channels / metabolism*
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Synapses / metabolism
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / pharmacology

Substances

  • Chlorides
  • G Protein-Coupled Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channels
  • Potassium Channels
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Adenosine