Single-cell RT-PCR analysis of GIRK channels expressed in rat locus coeruleus and nucleus basalis neurons.

G protein-coupled inward rectifier potassium channels (GIRK, Kir3) play a crucial role in determining neuronal excitability. Currently, four mammalian GIRK members (GIRK1-4) have been genetically identified. We have been investigating physiological properties of GIRKs in cultured noradrenergic neurons from the locus coeruleus (LC) and cholinergic neurons from the nucleus basalis (NB). Yet, precise information is lacking about which types of GIRK channels are present in these neurons. We performed single-cell RT-PCR on these cultured neurons. In 13 noradrenergic LC neurons, GIRK1, GIRK2, GIRK3, and GIRK4 mRNAs existed in 12, 13, nine, and six neurons, respectively. In six cholinergic NB neurons, GIRK1, GIRK2, GIRK3, and GIRK4 mRNAs existed in six, four, one, and three neurons, respectively. Therefore, GIRK1 and GIRK2 mRNAs are most frequently encountered in both LC and NB neurons.