TRESK is a mammalian anesthetic-sensitive K channel

Several members of the two-pore potassium channel family (K2P) display currents that are potentiated by clinical concentrations of volatile anesthetics. Fifteen human family members are known at present. In this presentation we show data on the anesthetic sensitivity of the most recently isolated K2P channel member, TRESK. Human TRESK is strongly potentiated by volatile anesthetics at near sub-clinical concentrations. Rodent (mouse and rat) TRESKs are also potentiated but with significantly lower efficacy. Species-specific differences are also found between rodent and human TRESKs in extracellular pH and zinc sensitivity. TRESK was initially described as having an expression pattern restricted to spinal cord and testis only; however, we have demonstrated TRESK expression by RT-PCR in human and rodent brain and by immunohistochemistry in rat brain. These data identify TRESK as a likely candidate for the action of volatile anesthetics, adding to the established role of K2P channels in anesthesia mechanisms.