Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir4.1

Title: Immunolocalization of an inwardly rectifying K+ channel, K(AB)-2 (Kir4.1), in the basolateral membrane of renal distal tubular epithelia.

Authors: M Ito, A Inanobe, Y Horio, H Hibino, S Isomoto, H Ito, K Mori, A Tonosaki, H Tomoike, Y Kurachi

Journal, date & volume: FEBS Lett., 1996 Jun 10 , 388, 11-5

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8654579

Abstract
Immunolocalization of K(AB)-2 (Kir4.1), an inwardly rectifying K+ channel with a putative ATP-binding domain, was examined in rat kidney where expression of K(AB)-2 mRNA was previously shown. Anti-K(AB)-2 antibody was raised in rabbit and then affinity-purified. An immunohistochemical study revealed that K(AB)-2 immunoreactivity was detected specifically in the basolateral membrane of distal tubular epithelia. Therefore, K(AB)-2 is the first K+ channel shown to be localized in the basolateral membrane of renal epithelia. The finding suggests that K(AB)-2 may contribute to supplying K+ to the Na(+)-K+ pump, which is abundant in the basolateral membrane of distal tubular epithelia, as well as to maintenance of the deep negative membrane potential of these cells.