Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of methamphetamine (Meth) on the expression of voltage-gated potassium channel subtype 1.3 and 1.5 (Kv1.3 and Kv1.5) with primary cultured fetal rat cortical microglia. MethodsThe cell viability and apoptosis were detected with CCK-8 as well as terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated biotin-16-dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay.The expression of Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 mediated by Meth was evaluated with real-time PCR and western blot. ResultsMeth reduced cell viability and increased cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner.Compared with that of the control(1.047?0.165),Meth could increase the mRNA expression of Kv1.3(7.453?0.675).But this process could be partly retarded by MgTx(1.684?0.875).The mRNA expression of Kv1.3,but not Kv1.5,was up-regulated by Meth. ConclusionKv1.3 is involved in Meth mediated microglia cell injury.