Possible roles of the weakly inward rectifying K+ channel Kir4.1 (KCNJ10) in the pre-bötzinger complex

Abstract

Rhythmic activity of respiratory neurons is dependent on the clearance of neurotransmitter by astrocytes. Astrocytes should also be involved in the permanent and rapid clearance of extracellular ions. We analyzed the expression of the weakly inwardly rectifying K+ channel Kir4.1 (KCNJ10) in the respiratory network and studied the possible functions for neuronal activity in the pre-Bötzinger complex. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.