title: Localization of TREK-1, a two-pore-domain K+ channel in the peripheral vestibular system of mouse and rat.
abstract: The distribution of two-pore-domain (2P-domain) K(+) channels of the TREK subfamily was studied using immunocytochemistry in the peripheral vestibular system of mouse and rat. Using RT-PCR, the mRNA for TREK-1, but not for TREK-2 or TRAAK, were detected in mouse vestibular endorgans and ganglia. The TREK-1 channel protein was immunodetected in both nerve fibers and nerve cell bodies in the vestibular ganglion, both afferent fibers and nerve calyces innervating type I hair cells in the utricle and cristae. The post-synaptic localization in afferent calyces may suggest a neuroprotective role in glutamatergic excitotoxicity during ischemic conditions. In non-neuronal cells, TREK-1 was immunodetected in the apical membrane of dark cells and transitional cells, both of which are involved in endolymph K(+) secretion and recycling. TREK-1 may subserve some neuroprotective function in afferent nerve fibers as well as play a role in endolymph potassium homeostasis.
authors.affiliation: Université Montpellier 2, Place Eugène Bataillon, P.O. Box 089, 34095 Montpellier, cedex 05, France. mnicolas@uni-montp2.fr
authors.forename: Marie-Thérèse
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Nicolas
authors.forename: Florian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lesage
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Reyes
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Barhanin
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Demêmes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D015139:Blotting, Southern / Q000379:methods; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D051379:Mice; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D024683:Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051381:Rats; D011920:Rats, Inbred WF; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D014725:Vestibular Nerve / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D015221:Potassium Channels; D024683:Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C103742:potassium channel protein TREK-1