Acid-sensing ion channels interact with and inhibit BK K+ channels.

ABSTRACT: Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are neuronal non-voltage-gated cation channels that are activated when extracellular pH falls. They contribute to sensory function and nociception in the peripheral nervous system, and in the brain they contribute to synaptic plasticity and fear responses. Some of the physiologic consequences of disrupting ASIC genes in mice suggested that ASIC channels might modulate neuronal function by mechanisms in addition to their H(+)-evoked opening. Within ASIC channel's large extracellular domain, we identified sequence resembling that in scorpion toxins that inhibit K(+) channels. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that ASIC channels might inhibit K(+) channel function by coexpressing ASIC1a and the high-conductance Ca(2+)- and voltage-activated K(+) (BK) channe

SUBMITTER: Petroff EY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2268598 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature