Deletion of the Kv2.1 delayed rectifier potassium channel leads to neuronal and behavioral hyperexcitability

The Kv2.1 delayed rectifier potassium channel exhibits high‐level expression in both principal and inhibitory neurons throughout the central nervous system, including prominent expression in hippocampal neurons. Studies of in vitro preparations suggest that Kv2.1 is a key yet conditional regulator of intrinsic neuronal excitability, mediated by changes in Kv2.1 expression, localization and function via activity‐dependent regulation of Kv2.1 phosphorylation. Here we identify neurological and behavioral deficits in mutant (Kv2.1^?/?) mice lacking this channel. Kv2.1^?/? mice have grossly normal characteristics. No impairment in vision or motor coordination was apparent, although Kv2.1^?/? mice exhibit reduced body weight. The anatomic structure and expression of related Kv channels in the brains of Kv2.1^?/? mice appear unchanged. Delayed rectifier potassium current is diminished in hippocampal neurons cultured from Kv2.1^?/? animals. Field recordings from hippocampal slices of Kv2.1^?/? mice reveal hyperexcitability in response to the convulsant bicuculline, and epileptiform activity in response to stimulation. In Kv2.1^?/? mice, long‐term potentiation at the Schaffer collateral – CA1 synapse is decreased. Kv2.1^?/? mice are strikingly hyperactive, and exhibit defects in spatial learning, failing to improve performance in a Morris Water Maze task. Kv2.1^?/? mice are hypersensitive to the effects of the convulsants flurothyl and pilocarpine, consistent with a role for Kv2.1 as a conditional suppressor of neuronal activity. Although not prone to spontaneous seizures, Kv2.1^?/? mice exhibit accelerated seizure progression. Together, these findings suggest homeostatic suppression of elevated neuronal activity by Kv2.1 plays a central role in regulating neuronal network function .