The serotonin (5-HT) system originating in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is implicated in various mood- and emotion-related disorders, such as anxiety, fear and stress. Abnormal activity of DRN 5-HT neurons is the key factor in the development of these disorders. Here, we describe a crucial role for the Kv7.4 potassium channel in modulating DRN 5-HT neuronal excitability. We demonstrate that Kv7.4 is selectively expressed in 5-HT neurons of the DRN. Using selective Kv7.4 opener fasudil and Kv7.4 knock-out mice, we demonstrate that Kv7.4 is a potent modulator of DRN 5-HT neuronal excitability. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the cellular redox signaling mechanism is involved in this 5-HT activation of Kv7.4. The current study suggests a new strategy for treating psychiatric disorders related to altered activity of DRN 5-HT neurons using K+ channel modulators.
CITATION STYLE
Zhao, C., Su, M., Wang, Y., Li, X., Zhang, Y., Du, X., & Zhang, H. (2017). Selective modulation of K+ channel Kv7.4 significantly affects the excitability of DRN 5-HT neurons. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2017.00405
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