Contribution of KCNQ and TREK Channels to the Resting Membrane Potential in Sympathetic Neurons at Physiological Temperature

The ionic mechanisms controlling the resting membrane potential (RMP) in superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons have been widely studied and the M-current (I(M), KCNQ) is one of the key players. Recently, with the discovery of the presence of functional TREK-2 (TWIK-related K(+) channel 2) channels in SCG neurons, another potential main contributor for setting the value of the resting membrane potential has appeared. In the present work, we quantified the contribution of TREK-2 channels to the resting membrane potential at physiological temperature and studied its role in excitability using patch-clamp techniques. In the process we have discovered that TREK-2 channels are sensitive to the classic M-current blockers linopirdine and XE991 (IC(50) = 0.310 ± 0.06 µM and 0.044 ± 0.013 µM, respectively). An increase from room temperature (23 °C) to physiological temperature (37 °C) enhanced both I(M) and TREK-2 currents. Likewise, inhibition of I(M) by tetraethylammonium (TEA) and TREK-2 current by XE991 depolarized the RMP at room and physiological temperatures. Temperature rise also enhanced adaptation in SCG neurons which was reduced due to TREK-2 and I(M) inhibition by XE991 application. In summary, TREK-2 and M currents contribute to the resting membrane potential and excitability at room and physiological temperature in the primary culture of mouse SCG neurons.