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Expression and Localization of the Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channel Kir7.1 in Native Bovine Retinal Pigment Epithelium

¹From the Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and ²Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to identify the molecular basis of the apical membrane K⁺ conductance in native bovine retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).

METHODS. RT-PCR, Northern blot, and Western blot analyses were used to detect the expression of the inwardly rectifying K⁺ (Kir) channel subunits Kir7.1 and Kir4.1 in native bovine RPE and neural retina. The distribution of Kir7.1 protein was determined in frozen sections of bovine retina-RPE-choroid by indirect immunofluorescence analysis.

RESULTS. RT-PCR analysis revealed Kir7.1 transcript in both RPE and neural retina, but Kir4.1 transcript only in the neural retina. In Northern blot analysis, Kir4.1 probe hybridized to an appropriately sized-transcript in neural retina but not in RPE. Kir7.1 probe hybridized to a major transcript of 1.5 kb in both RPE and neural retina, but with greater expression in RPE. In Western blot analysis, Kir7.1 antibody recognized a major monomer of 53 kDa in RPE, whereas Kir4.1 antibody recognized a monomer of 60 kDa in neural retina but not in RPE. Intense Kir7.1 immunolabeling was present on the apical surface of all RPE cells and appeared to extend over the length of the apical processes. Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase expression varied among RPE cells, but in highly expressing cells, it colocalized with Kir7.1.

CONCLUSIONS. These results indicate that the Kir7.1 channel subunit, but not Kir4.1, is a major component of the apical K⁺ conductance in bovine RPE. Kir7.1 is distributed over the length of apical processes, where it probably functions in the regulation of K⁺ transport and the electrical response of the RPE to light-evoked changes in subretinal K⁺ concentration.

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