Possible roles of the weakly inward rectifying K(+) channel Kir4.1 (KCNJ10) in the pre-Botzinger complex

Journal
Integration in respiratory control: from genes to systems
Date Issued
2008
Author(s)
Papadopoulos, Nestoras
Winter, Stefan M.
Haertel, Kai
Kaiser, Melanie
Neusch, Clemens
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-Botzinger complex.