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Abstract
Due to entangled results concerning K(v)1 subunit distribution in the gastrointestinal
wall, we aimed to unravel the expression of the delayed rectifier potassium subunits
K(v)1.1 and K(v)1.2 in the murine ileum. Presence and distribution of both subunits
were determined in cryosections and whole-mount preparations of the ileum of three
different murine strains by indirect immunofluorescence, and analysed by conventional
fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Distribution of both subunits was similar in
the ileum of the three strains. K(v)1.1 immunoreactivity (IR) was found in some S100-expressing
enteroglial cells (EGC) located at the periphery of myenteric ganglia, in S100-positive
EGC along interganglionic, intramuscular and vascular nerve fibres, and in S100-positive
EGC of the submucous plexus. K(v)1.1 IR was also observed in some GFAP-expressing
EGC at the periphery of myenteric ganglia, and in GFAP-positive EGC of submucous ganglia.
K(v)1.2 IR was detected in some intramuscular S100-positive EGC, in almost all submucous
S100-expressing EGC, and in a few GFAP-expressing EGC. K(v)1.2 IR was also expressed
in a majority of enteric neurons. Coding of these neurons showed that all cholinergic
and most nitrergic neurons express K(v)1.2. In conclusion, the results showed that
K(v)1.1 and K(v)1.2 were predominantly expressed in distinct EGC phenotypes. K(v)1.2
was also observed in distinct neuron subpopulations. Our results support the active
role of EGC with distinct phenotypes in intestinal functions, which is relevant in
view of their modulating role on intestinal barrier and inflammatory responses.