Expression of tandem P domain K+ channel, TREK-1, in the rat carotid body.

TREK-1 is one of the important potassium channels for regulating membrane excitability. To examine the distribution of TREK-1 in the rat carotid body, we performed RT-PCR for mRNA expression and in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry for tissue distribution of TREK-1. RT-PCR detected mRNA expression of TREK-1 in the carotid body. Furthermore, in situ hybridization revealed the localization of TREK-1 mRNA in the glomus cells. TREK-1 immunoreactivity was mainly distributed in the glomus cells and nerve fibers in the carotid body. TREK-1 may modulate potassium current of glomus cells and/or afferent nerve endings in the rat carotid body.