Short periods of hypoxia activate a K+ current in central neurons.

The effect of hypoxia on ionic currents was studied in acutely dissociated substantia nigra neurons. Using an external solution containing 0 mM Na+ and 0.5 mM Co2+, we found that overall whole-cell outward currents increased by 15-20% during 3-4 min of hypoxia. This current was voltage sensitive and could be completely blocked by TEA- and Cs+, suggesting that this is a K+ current. In cell-attached patches with 150 mM K+ in the external solution, we recorded a large-conductance outward current which was not observed during baseline and was reversibly activated by hypoxia. These results therefore provide the first direct evidence for the activation of K+ channels during O2 deprivation in central neurons.