Species differences in the cerebellar distribution of six members of the Kv1 channel subfamily

Comprehensive studies on the distribution of the Kv1 subfamily have been performed in rat (Chung et al., 2001) and gerbil (Chung et al., 2005), but not in mouse or human. We hypothesized that species differences may exist in the localization of these proteins. Two sets of polyclonal antibodies to Kv1.1-6 were used. Immunohistochemistry was performed on archived, formalin-fixed tissue from disease-free human, monkey and mouse cerebellum. Mouse staining corresponded to that described in rat and gerbil, with strong Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 immunoreactivities in the basket cell pinceau at the base of Purkinje cells. Kv1.3, Kv1.4, Kv1.5 and Kv1.6 were predominantly expressed in Purkinje cells. Human and monkey samples showed a similar pattern to mouse for Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.3 and Kv1.5. However, little or no Purkinje cell staining was seen in the primates with Kv1.4 and Kv1.6, and strong stellate cell expression was noted. All staining was abolished by cognate peptide blocking. Similar distributions were seen with both sets of antibodies. We conclude that there are marked species differences in the distribution of Kv1.4 and Kv1.6 between primates and rodents. Choosing appropriate animal models for studying physiological and disease processes may prove vital for translating research outcomes into clinical applications.