Does ethanol activate G-protein coupled inwardly rectifying K+ channels?

Neuroreport
Lih-Chu ChiouJen-Kun Chen

Abstract

G-protein coupled inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels have been reported to be targets of ethanol actions. We investigated if ethanol affects native GIRK channels in rat brain tissues at clinically relevant concentrations using brain slices containing the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (PAG), an area related to pain regulation. Ethanol did not affect the membrane current elicited by hyperpolarization ramps at concentrations up to 150 mM. However, at 200-300 mM, which is above the lethal level, it activated a barium-sensitive GIRK current in 30-57% of neurons. In neurons unresponsive to ethanol, baclofen, the mu-opioid or nociceptin successfully activated GIRK channels. It is suggested that GIRK channels of the ventrolateral PAG are unlikely to be targets of the analgesic action of ethanol.

References

Jan 1, 1984·Annual Review of Neuroscience·A I Basbaum, H L Fields
Nov 26, 1999·Nature Neuroscience·T KobayashiT Kumanishi

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Citations

Jun 15, 2005·Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·A Jahangir, Andre Terzic
Aug 3, 2013·Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research·M Saeed Dar
Apr 7, 2004·Journal of Biomedical Science·Jen-Kun ChengLih-Chu Chiou

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