Galanin activates an inwardly rectifying potassium conductance in mudpuppy atrial myocytes.

Galanin- and bethanechol-activated K+ currents have been studied in mudpuppy atrial myocytes. The galanin and bethanechol K+ currents were time-dependent and inwardly rectifying. In GTP gamma S, the galanin and bethanechol currents were reduced progressively as G-protein gated K+ channels became activated. GDP beta S inhibited agonist-induced outward currents. We conclude that galanin and bethanechol activate the same or a very similar inwardly rectifying K+ conductance and that activation of a G protein is required.