G-Protein-Gated Potassium (GIRK) Channels Containing the GIRK2 Subunit Are Control Hubs for Pharmacologically Induced Hypothermic Responses

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Abstract
Hypothermic responses of rodents to the peripheral or intraventricular injection of many individual neurotransmitter receptor agonists have been well documented. Because many hypothermia-inducing agonists are also known to activate G-protein-gated potassium (GIRK) channels, we investigated the hypothermic response to several of these agents onGirk2null mutant mice. Core body temperatures were measured through radiotelemetry, and animals were maintained in special temperature-regulated chambers to ensure the accuracy of the measurements. The resulting data indicate that the activation of GIRK2-containing potassium channels plays a significant role in hypothermia induced by the activation of serotonergic (5-HT1A), GABAergic (GABAB), muscarinic (m2), adenosine (A1), and μ, δ, and κ opioid receptors. These channels also are involved in the alcohol-induced hypothermic response. These results have implications for the understanding of pharmacologically induced hypothermia and thermoregulatory mechanisms.

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