Effects of Potassium Channel Modulators on the Responses of Mammalian Slowly Adapting Mechanoreceptors

The study investigated the effects of various potassium (K+) channel modulators on the activity of slowly adapting mechanoreceptors in rat whisker pads. Using extracellular recordings, the researchers tested several K+ channel blockers and openers. Most blockers, except charybdotoxin and apamin, increased both spontaneous and evoked activities of the mechanoreceptors. Conversely, the channel opener NS1619 decreased evoked activity without significantly affecting spontaneous activity. These results suggest that K+ channels are crucial for maintaining spontaneous firing and mechanoreceptor activity. The study was funded by Alfaisal University, the Wellcome Trust, and the University of Stirling, with no conflicts of interest reported.