title: Expression and characterization of delayed rectifying K+ channels in anterior rat taste buds.
abstract: Delayed rectifying K+ (DRK) channels in taste cells have been implicated in the regulation of cell excitability and as potential targets for direct and indirect modulation by taste stimuli. In the present study, we have used patch-clamp recording to determine the biophysical properties and pharmacological sensitivity of DRK channels in isolated rat fungiform taste buds. Molecular biological assays at the taste bud and single-cell levels are consistent with the interpretation that taste cells express a variety of DRK channels, including members from each of the three major subfamilies: KCNA, KCNB, and KCNC. Real-time PCR assays were used to quantify expression of the nine DRK channel subtypes. While taste cells express a number of DRK channels, the electrophysiological and molecular biological assays indicate that the Shaker Kv1.5 channel (KCNA5) is the major functional DRK channel expressed in the anterior rat tongue.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and The Center for Integrated BioSystems, Utah State University, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322-5305, USA.
authors.forename: Lidong
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Dane R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Insook
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Timothy A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Gilbertson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D051668:Delayed Rectifier Potassium Channels; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013650:Taste Buds / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D051668:Delayed Rectifier Potassium Channels; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated