Axonal transport of TREK and TRAAK potassium channels in rat sciatic nerves

The recent cloning, functional expression and brain localization of two new potassium channels, TREK and TRAAK, led us to examine whether both channel s are present in peripheral nerves and can move along axons by means of axo nal transport mechanisms. Using specific antibodies directed against TREK a nd TRAAK peptides, we found that immunoreactivity for both potassium channe ls accumulates above and below a ligature in rat sciatic nerves. The proces s was rapid and bidirectional suggesting that the channels are associated w ith vesicles. This represents the first report on the axonal transport of p otassium channels. NeuroReport 11:927-930 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wi lkins.