OVERLAPPING DISTRIBUTION OF K-ATP CHANNEL-FORMING KIR6.2 SUBUNIT AND THE SULFONYLUREA RECEPTOR SUR1 IN RODENT BRAIN

ATP-sensitive K+ channels comprise a complex of at least tao proteins: a member of the inwardly rectifying Kir6 family (e.g. Kir6.2) and a s ulphonglurea receptor (e.g. SUR1) which belongs to the ATP-binding cas sette (ABC) superfamily, Using specific radiolabeled antisense oligonu cleotides, the cellular localization of both mRNAs was investigated in the rodent brain by in situ hybridization. The distribution of both t ranscripts was widespread throughout the brain and showed a high degre e of overlap with peak expression levels in the hippocampus, neocortex , olfactory bulb, cerebellum, and several distinct nuclei of the midbr ain and brainstem, indicating their important role in vital brain func tion.