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Published on: January 10, 2011
The role of Kv3-type potassium channels in cerebellar physiology and behavior
Rolf H Joho1, Edward C Hurlock
1Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA. rolf.joho@utsouthwestern.edu
Abstract:
Different subunits of the Kv3 subfamily of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels (Kv3.1-Kv3.4) are expressed in distinct neuronal subpopulations in the cerebellum. Behavioral phenotypes in Kv3-null mutant mice such as ataxia with prominent hypermetria and heightened alcohol sensitivity are characteristic of cerebellar dysfunction. Here, we review how the unique biophysical properties of Kv3-type potassium channels, fast activation and fast deactivation that enable cerebellar neurons to generate brief action potentials at high frequencies, affect firing patterns and influence cerebellum-mediated behavior.
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