Serotonergic raphe neurons express TASK channel transcripts and a TASK-like pH- and halothane-sensitive K+ conductance.

ABSTRACT: The recently described two-pore-domain K+ channels, TASK-1 and TASK-3, generate currents with a unique set of properties; specifically, the channels produce instantaneous open-rectifier (i.e., "leak") K+ currents that are modulated by extracellular pH and by clinically useful anesthetics. In this study, we used histochemical and in vitro electrophysiological approaches to determine that TASK channels are expressed in serotonergic raphe neurons and to show that they confer a pH and anesthetic sensitivity to these neurons. By combining in situ hybridization for TASK-1 or TASK-3 with immunohistochemical localization of tryptophan hydroxylase, we found that a majority of serotonergic neurons in both dorsal and caudal raphe cell groups contain TASK channel transcripts (approximately 70-90%). Wh

SUBMITTER: Washburn CP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6757559 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature