Kv1.3 is the exclusive voltage-gated K plus channel of platelets and megakaryocytes: roles in membrane potential, Ca2+signalling and platelet count
A delayed rectifier voltage-gated K+ channel (Kv) represents the largest ionic conductance of platelets and megakaryocytes, but is undefined at the molecular level. Quantitative RT-PCR of all known Kv alpha and ancillary subunits showed that only Kv1.3 (KCNA3) is substantially expressed in human platelets. Furthermore, megakaryocytes from Kv1.3-/- mice or from wild-type mice exposed to the Kv1.3 b