G protein-activated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK or Kir3) channels are directly gated
by the βγ subunits of G proteins and contribute to inhibitory neurotransmitter signaling
pathways. Paradoxically, volatile anesthetics such as halothane inhibit these channels. We
find that neuronal Kir3 currents are highly sensitive to inhibition by halothane. Given that
Kir3 currents result from increased Gβγ available to the channels, we asked whether
reducing available Gβγ to the channel would adversely affect halothane inhibition …