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XB-ART-11919
Nat Neurosci 1999 Dec 01;212:1084-90. doi: 10.1038/16012.
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G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels are targets of alcohol action.

Lewohl JM , Wilson WR , Mayfield RD , Brozowski SJ , Morrisett RA , Harris RA .


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G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels (GIRKs) are important for regulation of synaptic transmission and neuronal firing rates. Because of their key role in brain function, we asked if these potassium channels are targets of alcohol action. Ethanol enhanced function of cerebellar granule cell GIRKs coupled to GABAB receptors. Enhancement of GIRK function by ethanol was studied in detail using Xenopus oocytes expressing homomeric or heteromeric channels. Function of all GIRK channels was enhanced by intoxicating concentrations of ethanol, but other, related inwardly rectifying potassium channels were not affected. GIRK2/IRK1 chimeras and GIRK2 truncation mutants were used to identify a region of 43 amino acids in the carboxyl (C) terminus that is critical for the action of ethanol on these channels.

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Species referenced: Xenopus laevis
Genes referenced: kcnj12 kcnj2 kcnj3 kcnj6