The brain regulates breathing in response to changes in tissue CO2/H+ via a process termed central chemoreception. The ventral medullary surface of the brainstem contains a region called the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), which has been identified as a key locus for chemoreception and central control of respiration. Neurons in this region can sense CO2/H+ (i.e. are chemosensitive) in part by inhibition of TASK-2 channels. RTN astrocytes are also chemosensitive and CO2-evoked release of the gliotransmitter ATP most likely occurs via connexin 26 hemichannels. This purinergic component appears to gain up RTN neuron chemosensitive responses by approximately 30%. However, RTN astrocytes also express a H+-sensitive current mediated by an inwardly rectifying potassium ion channel (Kir4.1-like). The contribution of this pH sensitive current in RTN astrocytes to the central respiratory drive has yet to be determined. Here we generate an inducible astrocyte specific Kir4.1 channel knockout (Kir4.1 cKO) using GFAP-CreERT2 and Kir4.1 floxed mouse lines. All animals were used in accordance with the National Institute of Health and University of Connecticut Animal Care and Use Guidelines. Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm reduced expression of Kir4.1 in GFAP positive cells in the hippocampus, cerebellum and RTN. Whole-cell voltage clamp recordings of RTN astrocytes in brainstem slices from Kir4.1 cKO mice showed the absence of a Kir4.1-like current. RTN neurons from brainstem slices were also recorded and preliminary data from Kir4.1 cKO mice appear to show a reduction in the purinergic component of their CO2/H+ response, suggesting deletion of Kir4.1 from astrocytes may disrupt the ability of these cells to respond normally to changes in CO2/H+. Therefore, to determine whether Kir4.1 cKO mice exhibit altered respiratory drive during hypercapnea, we measured respiratory activity in awake mice by whole-body plethysmography during graded increases in CO2. We found that Kir4.1 cKO mice hypoventilate in 100% O2 and show a reduced tidal volume response to CO2 compared to controls. These results suggest that Kir4.1 channels in astrocytes contribute to the central drive to breathe.