Expression of Shaker-type voltage-gated potassium channel genes in the guinea-pig

Few potassium channel genes have been isolated in the guinea-pig despite detailed electrophysiological characterization of potassium channels in the guinea-pig heart. We obtained partial clones of Shaker-type potassium channel genes in the guinea-pig and demonstrated their tissue distribution. Partial clones of the Shaker-type potassium channel genes were obtained by RT-PCR or genomic PCR. mRNA expression was measured by RNase protection assays in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle. Three of the five obtained channel genes were expressed in the guinea-pig heart; Kv1.2, Kv1.3, and Kv1.6. Kv 1.6 expression was markedly at a higher level in the atrium than in the ventricle. Expression of the channel genes in the guinea-pig was different from that in human and rat, which may contribute to the species-specific action potential waveform.