Work

Role of BK channels and Kv4.2 channels in the electrophysiological properties of Merkel cells in rat whisker hair follicles

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Patch-clamp recordings were made from Merkel cells in rat whisker hair follicles. Big-conductance voltage- and calcium-activated K + (BK) channels and Kv4.2 voltage-gated K + channels were identified in Merkel cells. BK and Kv4.2 channels were involved in Merkel cell action potential repolarization and resting membrane potentials, respectively. By controlling the intrinsic electrophysiological properties of Merkel cells, BK and Kv4.2 channels may play a significant role in tactile encoding.

Source: Journal of Neurophysiology

DOI: 10.1152/jn.00470.2025

Authors: Akihiro Yamada, Jianguo Gu

Institutions: University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Ion channel regulation and function

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Awards: G1274778925, Mechanism of Nociception Induced by Innocuous Cold in Trigeminal System, G7095091045, G8698408106