KATP -channels play a minor role in the protective hypoxic shut-down of cerebellar activity in eider ducks ( Somateria mollissima )

Highlights • The KATP -channel opener diazoxide reduced the in vitro normoxic spontaneous cerebellar activity in the eider duck. • Adding the KATP -channel blocker tolbutamide before diazoxide abolished this effect. • Adding tolbutamide before or in hypoxia did not affect the hypoxic shut-down of cerebellar neuronal activity. • Adding tolbutamide before or in hypoxia reduced neuronal recovery during reoxygenation. • KATP -channels are present but play a minor role in the protective hypoxic shut-down of cerebellar activity in this species.