Acid-sensitive ion channels (ASIC) are proton-gated ion channels expressed in neurons of the mammalian central and peripheral nervous systems. The functional role of these channels is still uncertain, but they have been proposed to constitute mechanoreceptors and͞or nociceptors. We have raised specific antibodies for ASIC1, ASIC2, ASIC3, and ASIC4 to examine the distribution of these proteins in neurons from dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and to determine their subcellular localization. Western blot analysis demonstrates that all four ASIC proteins are expressed in DRG and sciatic nerve. Immunohistochemical experiments and functional measurements of unitary currents from the ASICs with the patchclamp technique indicate that ASIC1 localizes to the plasma membrane of small-, medium-, and large-diameter cells, whereas ASIC2 and ASIC3 are preferentially in medium to large cells. Neurons coexpressing ASIC2 and ASIC3 form predominantly heteromeric ASIC2-3 channels. Two spliced forms, ASIC2a and ASIC2b, colocalize in the same population of DRG neurons. Within cells, the ASICs are present mainly on the plasma membrane of the soma and cellular processes. Functional studies indicate that the pH sensitivity for inactivation of ASIC1 is much higher than the one for activation; hence, increases in proton concentration will inactivate the channel. These functional properties and localization in DRG have profound implications for the putative functional roles of ASICs in the nervous system.

The acid-sensitive ion channel ASIC1 is a proton-gated ion channel from the mammalian nervous system. Its expression in sensory neurons and activation by low extracellular pH suggest that ASIC is involved in transmitting nociceptive impulses produced by the acidification caused by injury or inflammation. However, ASIC1 expression is not restricted to sensory neurons. To understand the functional role of ASIC1 in the CNS we investigated its expression and subcellular distribution therein. In particular, we examined the presence of ASIC1 in domains where the local pH may drop sufficiently to activate ASIC1 under physiological conditions. Immunostaining with specific antibodies revealed broad expression of ASIC1 in many areas of the adult rat brain including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum. Within cells, ASIC1 was found predominantly throughout the soma and along the branches of axons and dendrites. ASIC1 was not enriched in the microdomains where pH may reach low values, such as in synaptic vesicles or synaptic membranes. Pre-or postsynaptic ASIC1 was not gated by synaptic activity in cultured hippocampal neurons. Blockage or desensitization of ASIC1 with amiloride or pH 6.7, respectively, did not modify postsynaptic currents. Finally, the ontogeny of ASIC1 in mouse brain revealed constant levels of expression of ASIC1 protein from embryonic day 12 to the postnatal period, indicating an early and almost constant level of expression of ASIC1 during brain development.

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