Inhibition of heteromeric Kir2.X channels by alpha-1a adrenergic receptors: Crucial role of protein kinase C dependent regulation of Kir2.3 subunits

Introduction: The cardiac inwardly rectifying potassium current IK1 stabilises the resting membrane potential of cardiomyocytes. Activation of adrenergic alpha-1a receptors leads to an inhibition of IK1 currents. In native cells the protein kinase C pathway is crucial in this regulation. IK1 is probably generated by heteromeric assembly of Kir2.1, Kir2.2 and Kir2.3 channels. Thus, in this study we focused on the PKC-dependent regulation of Kir2-heteromers by alpha-1a adrenergic receptors.