Leak potassium channels regulate sleep duration

Two heteromeric Kv1 potassium channels differentially regulate action potential firing.

Low-threshold voltage-gated potassium currents (I(LT)) activating close to resting membrane potentials play an important role in shaping action potential (AP) firing patterns. In the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB), I(LT) ensures generation of single APs during each EPSP, so that the timing and pattern of AP firing is preserved on transmission across this relay synapse (calyx of Hel...

Acid sensing ion channels regulate neuronal excitability by inhibiting BK potassium channels.

Acid sensing ion channels (ASICs), Ca(2+) and voltage-activated potassium channels (BK) are widely present throughout the central nervous system. Previous studies have shown that when expressed together in heterologous cells, ASICs inhibit BK channels, and this inhibition is relieved by acidic extracellular pH. We hypothesized that ASIC and BK channels might interact in neurons, and that ASICs ...

To sleep, perchance to leak.

Intermittent positive pressure mechanical ventilation (IPPV) can be applied invasively (through a tracheotomy or an endotracheal tube) or noninvasively, using nasal, oral or facial interfaces. Three different types of physician have been involved in treating patients with this kind of therapy: intensive care specialists, pneumologists (also called pulmonologists or respiratory physicians) and s...

Convergent effects of multiple modulators on two-pore-domain 'leak' potassium channels in respiratory-related neurons

Opening and Closing of KcnkØ Potassium Leak Channels Is Tightly Regulated

Potassium-selective leak channels control neuromuscular function through effects on membrane excitability. Nonetheless, their existence as independent molecular entities was established only recently with the cloning of KCNKO from Drosophila melanogaster. Here, the operating mechanism of these 2 P domain leak channels is delineated. Single KCNKO channels switch between two long-lived states (on...