D'Adamo, M.C.Shang, LijunImbrici, P.Brown, S.D.M.Pessia, M.Tucker, S.J.2014-04-252014-04-252011D'Adamo MC, Shang L, Imbrici P, Brown SD, Pessia M and Tucker SJ (2011) Genetic inactivation of Kcnj16 identifies Kir5.1 as an important determinant of neuronal PCO2/pH sensitivity. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 286(1): 192-198.http://hdl.handle.net/10454/5950NoThe molecular identity of ion channels which confer PCO(2)/pH sensitivity in the brain is unclear. Heteromeric Kir4.1/Kir5.1 channels are highly sensitive to inhibition by intracellular pH and are widely expressed in several brainstem nuclei involved in cardiorespiratory control, including the locus coeruleus. This has therefore led to a proposed role for these channels in neuronal CO(2) chemosensitivity. To examine this, we generated mutant mice lacking the Kir5.1 (Kcnj16) gene. We show that although locus coeruleus neurons from Kcnj16((+/+)) mice rapidly respond to cytoplasmic alkalinization and acidification, those from Kcnj16((-/-)) mice display a dramatically reduced and delayed response. These results identify Kir5.1 as an important determinant of PCO(2)/pH sensitivity in locus coeruleus neurons and suggest that Kir5.1 may be involved in the response to hypercapnic acidosis.enAcidosisAnimalsCarbon dioxideElectric conductivityFemaleGene deletionHydrogen-ion concentrationLocus coeruleusMaleMiceInbred C57BLNeuronsPotassium channelsREF 2014Articlehttps://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M110.189290