Reduced molecular expression of K+ channel proteins in vascular smooth muscle from rats made hypertensive with Nω-nitro-l-arginine

2005 ◽  
Vol 289 (3) ◽  
pp. H1277-H1283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian N. Bratz ◽  
Gregory M. Dick ◽  
L. Donald Partridge ◽  
Nancy L. Kanagy
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Companion Paper ◽  
Muscle Membrane ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Western Blots ◽  
Channel Function ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Channel Expression ◽  
Smooth Muscle Membrane

Smooth muscle membrane potential ( Em) depends on K+ channels, and arteries from rats made hypertensive with Nω-nitro-l-arginine (LHR) are depolarized compared with control. We hypothesized that decreased K+ channel function, due to decreased K+ channel protein expression, underlies Em depolarization. Furthermore, K+ channel blockers should move control Em (−46 ± 1 mV) toward that in LHR (−37 ± 2 mV) and normalize contraction. The Em vs. K+ relationship was less steep in LHR (23 ± 2 vs. 28 ± 1 mV/log K+ concentration), and contractile sensitivity to K+ was increased (EC50 = 37 ± 1 vs. 23 ± 1 mM). Iberiotoxin (10 nM), an inhibitor of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels, depolarized control and LHR Em to −35 ± 1 and −30 ± 2 mV, respectively; however, effects on K+ sensitivity were more profound in LHR (EC50 = 25 ± 2 vs. 15 ± 3 mM). The voltage-dependent K+ (KV) channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (3 mM) depolarized control Em to the level of LHR (−28 ± 1 vs. −28 ± 1 mV); however, effects on K+ sensitivity were greater in LHR (EC50 = 17 ± 4 vs. 4 ± 4 mM). Western blots revealed reduced BKCa and KV1.5 channel expression in LHR arteries. The findings suggest that diminished expression of K+ channels contributes to depolarization and enhanced contractile sensitivity. These conclusions are supported by direct electrophysiological assessment of BKCa and KV channel function in control and LHR smooth muscle cells [see companion paper (Bratz IN, Swafford AN Jr, Kanagy NL, and Dick GM. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 289: H1284–H1290, 2005)].

Physiological roles and properties of potassium channels in arterial smooth muscle

1995 ◽  
Vol 268 (4) ◽  
pp. C799-C822 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. T. Nelson ◽  
J. M. Quayle
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Katp Channels ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Muscle Membrane ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Arterial Smooth Muscle ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Smooth Muscle Membrane

This review examines the properties and roles of the four types of K+ channels that have been identified in the cell membrane of arterial smooth muscle cells. 1) Voltage-dependent K+ (KV) channels increase their activity with membrane depolarization and are important regulators of smooth muscle membrane potential in response to depolarizing stimuli. 2) Ca(2+)-activated K+ (KCa) channels respond to changes in intracellular Ca2+ to regulate membrane potential and play an important role in the control of myogenic tone in small arteries. 3) Inward rectifier K+ (KIR) channels regulate membrane potential in smooth muscle cells from several types of resistance arteries and may be responsible for external K(+)-induced dilations. 4) ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels respond to changes in cellular metabolism and are targets of a variety of vasodilating stimuli. The main conclusions of this review are: 1) regulation of arterial smooth muscle membrane potential through activation or inhibition of K+ channel activity provides an important mechanism to dilate or constrict arteries; 2) KV, KCa, KIR, and KATP channels serve unique functions in the regulation of arterial smooth muscle membrane potential; and 3) K+ channels integrate a variety of vasoactive signals to dilate or constrict arteries through regulation of the membrane potential in arterial smooth muscle.

Endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization elicited by adenine compounds in rabbit carotid artery

1991 ◽  
Vol 260 (4) ◽  
pp. H1037-H1042 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Chen ◽  
H. Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Direct Action ◽  
Smooth Muscles ◽  
Muscle Membrane ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Rabbit Carotid Artery ◽  
Mechanical Removal ◽  
Smooth Muscle Membrane ◽  
Adventitial Cells

Electrical responses of the membrane of intimal and adventitial smooth muscle cells of the rabbit carotid artery to ATP, ADP, AMP, and adenosine were recorded. In intimal cells, these compounds hyperpolarized the membrane. Mechanical removal of the endothelium altered the responses to ATP and ADP to one of a transient depolarization, with no alteration of the response to AMP and adenosine. In the adventitial cells, ATP and ADP produced a transient depolarization, whereas AMP and adenosine produced a sustained hyperpolarization, irrespective of the presence or absence of the endothelium. In tissues with an intact endothelium, 5'-adenylylimidodiphosphate tetralithium salt and alpha,beta-methylene ATP (mATP) transiently depolarized the membrane in these smooth muscles. In case of stabilization with mATP, only hyperpolarization was generated by ATP, in an endothelium-dependent manner. Our interpretation of these observations is that 1) ATP and ADP depolarize smooth muscle membrane by a direct action and hyperpolarize the membrane indirectly through the release of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, 2) AMP and adenosine hyperpolarize the membrane, independently of the endothelium, and 3) ATP receptors present on the endothelial cell membrane differ from those on smooth muscle membrane.

Expression of dihydropyridine resistance differs in porcine bronchial and tracheal smooth muscle

1994 ◽  
Vol 267 (2) ◽  
pp. L106-L112 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. L. Croxton ◽  
C. Fleming ◽  
C. A. Hirshman
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Airway Smooth Muscle ◽  
Isometric Tension ◽  
Tracheal Smooth Muscle ◽  
Airway Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Response Curves ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Relaxation Responses ◽  
Ca2 Channels

Voltage-dependent and receptor-operated Ca2+ entry mechanisms have been demonstrated in airway smooth muscle, but their relative importance for maintenance of contraction is unknown. Blockade of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDC) has produced inconsistent relaxation. We postulated regional variations in Ca2+ handling by airway smooth muscle cells and compared the efficacy of dihydropyridine VDC blockers in tracheas and bronchi. Porcine tracheal smooth muscle strips and bronchial rings were mounted in tissue baths filled with physiological solutions and isometric tension was measured. Tissues were precontracted with carbachol or KCl, and relaxation dose-response curves to nifedipine, Mn2+, or Cd2+ were obtained. Relaxation responses to nifedipine were significantly different in carbachol-contracted tracheas and bronchi. Whereas carbachol-contracted tracheal muscle completely relaxed with 10(-6) M nifedipine, bronchial smooth muscle relaxed < 50%. In contrast, KCl-contracted bronchial muscle was completely relaxed by nifedipine. The nonspecific Ca2+ channel blockers Mn2+ and Cd2+ produced similar relaxation responses in each tissue. Thus VDC are the predominant mechanism for Ca2+ entry in porcine tracheal smooth muscle, but a dihydropyridine-insensitive pathway is functionally important in carbachol-contracted porcine bronchi. Regional variation may account for apparent inconsistencies between previous studies.

Mechanism of relaxations to C-type natriuretic peptide in veins

1996 ◽  
Vol 271 (5) ◽  
pp. H1907-H1911 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Banks ◽  
C. M. Wei ◽  
C. H. Kim ◽  
J. C. Burnett ◽  
V. M. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Methylene Blue ◽  
Natriuretic Peptide ◽  
Soluble Guanylate Cyclase ◽  
Isometric Force ◽  
Muscle Membrane ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Response Curves ◽  
Endothelin 1 ◽  
Prostaglandin F2 Alpha ◽  
Smooth Muscle Membrane

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is an endothelium-derived peptide that shares structural homology with atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). CNP causes greater endothelium-independent relaxations in veins compared with arteries. Relaxations to CNP in porcine coronary arteries are mediated by hyperpolarization of the smooth muscle membrane. Experiments were designed to investigate the mechanism(s) by which CNP causes relaxation in canine femoral veins. Rings of canine femoral veins without endothelium were suspended for measurement of isometric force in organ chambers. Concentration-response curves to CNP were obtained in veins contracted with either endothelin-1 (10(-8) M), KCl (40 mM), phenylephrine (10(-6) M) or prostaglandin F2 alpha (2 x 10(-6) M) in the absence and presence of BQ-123 (10(-6) M), NG-monomenthyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA; 10(-4) M), HS-142-1 (10(-5) M), methylene blue (10(-5) M), or potassium channel blockers, tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA; 10(-3) M), charybdotoxin (10(-7) M), glibenclamide (10(-7) M), or apamin (10(-7) M). Relaxations to CNP were significantly attenuated when the tissue was contracted with KCl and endothelin-1. During contraction to either phenylephrine or prostaglandin F2 alpha, relaxations to CNP were inhibited by HS-142-1, methylene blue, TEA, and charybdotoxin, but not by L-NMMA, glibenclamide, or apamin. In separate experiments, guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate increased twofold within 10-60 s after the addition of CNP (10(-8) M). These data suggest that CNP mediates relaxation of canine femoral veins through activation of large-conduction, calcium-activated potassium channels and activation of particulate and soluble guanylate cyclase.

Complexity of the outward K+ current of the rat megakaryocyte

1997 ◽  
Vol 272 (5) ◽  
pp. C1525-C1531 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Romero ◽  
R. Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
K Channel ◽  
Delayed Rectifier ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Excitable Cells ◽  
Electrophysiological Properties ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Delayed Rectifier Current ◽  
Dependent Inactivation ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
K Current

Megakaryocytes isolated from rat bone marrow express a voltage-dependent, outward K+ current with complex kinetics of activation and inactivation. We found that this current could be separated into at least two components based on differential responses to K+ channel blockers. One component, which exhibited features of the "transient" or "A-type" K+ current of excitable cells, was more strongly blocked by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) than by tetrabutylammonium (TBA). This current, which we designated as "4-AP-sensitive" current, activated rapidly at potentials more positive than -40 mV and subsequently underwent rapid voltage-dependent inactivation. A separate current that activated slowly was blocked much more effectively by TBA than by 4-AP. This "TBA-sensitive" component, which resembled a typical delayed rectifier current, was much more resistant to voltage-dependent inactivation. The relative contribution of each of these components varied from cell to cell. The effect of charybdotoxin was similar to that of 4-AP. Our data indicate that the voltage-dependent K+ current of resting megakaryocytes is more complex than heretofore believed and support the emerging concept that megakaryocytes possess intricate electrophysiological properties.

The endothelium modulates the contribution of chloride currents to norepinephrine-induced vascular contraction

1998 ◽  
Vol 275 (1) ◽  
pp. H161-H168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred S. Lamb ◽  
Thomas J. Barna
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Contraction ◽  
Maximum Response ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Chloride Currents ◽  
Aortic Smooth Muscle ◽  
Independent Components ◽  
Voltage Change ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Transport Inhibitors

Activation of a Cl− current is critical to agonist-induced activation of rat aortic smooth muscle contraction. Substituting extracellular Cl− with 130 mM methanesulfonate (8 mM Cl−) increases the contractile response to norepinephrine (NE) but not to KCl. We hypothesized that endothelial factors modulate this effect. Removing the endothelium (rubbing) or treatment with N-nitrol-arginine (l-NNA) markedly increased the potentiation of NE-induced contraction by low-Cl− buffer. Indomethacin had no effect. The previously demonstrated ability of Cl−-channel blockers (DIDS, anthracene-9-carboxylic acid, niflumic acid) or Cl− transport inhibitors (bumetanide, bicarbonate-free buffer) to inhibit responses to NE was not altered by l-NNA. Low-Cl− buffer alone did not contract intact rings but produced nifedipine-sensitive contractile responses after rubbing or l-NNA treatment. These data suggest that the Cl− conductance of smooth muscle in intact blood vessels is low but increases with withdrawal of reduced nitric oxide (NO′) or agonist stimulation. Rubbing orl-NNA increased the sensitivity of rings to KCl but not to NE. Nifedipine reduced both sensitivity and maximum response to NE in intact vessels.l-NNA increased the maximum response to NE in nifedipine-treated rings without changing sensitivity. We conclude that although NO′ affects both the voltage-dependent and voltage-independent components of contraction, sensitivity to NE is determined by the voltage-dependent portion. The voltage change required for a full response to NE is dependent on activation of a Cl− current that may be under the tonic regulatory influence of NO′.

Effects of bethanechol and the octapeptide of cholecystokinin on colonic smooth muscle in the cat

1987 ◽  
Vol 252 (5) ◽  
pp. G654-G661
Author(s):  
W. J. Snape ◽  
S. T. Tan ◽  
H. W. Kao
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Slow Wave ◽  
Spike Activity ◽  
Membrane Resistance ◽  
Wave Pattern ◽  
Isometric Tension ◽  
Muscle Membrane ◽  
Maximum Effect ◽  
Smooth Muscle Membrane

The aim of this study is to compare the action of the cholinergic agonist, bethanechol, with the action of the octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-OP) on feline circular colonic smooth muscle membrane potential and isometric tension, using the double sucrose gap. Depolarization of the membrane greater than 10 mV by K+ or bethanechol increased tension and spontaneous spike activity. CCK-OP (10(-9) M) depolarized the membrane (6.1 +/- 1.3 mV) without an increase in tension or spike activity. Depolarization of the membrane by increasing [K+]o was associated with a decrease in the membrane resistance. The slow-wave duration (2.3 +/- 0.2 s) was unchanged by administration of K+ or bethanechol but was prolonged after increasing concentrations of CCK-OP. The maximum effect occurred at a 10(-10) M concentration of CCK-OP (4.5 +/- 0.4 s, P less than 0.01). At higher concentrations of CCK-OP (greater than 10(-10) M), the slow-wave pattern became disorganized. Addition of increasing concentrations of [K+]o or bethanechol, but not CCK-OP, stimulated a concentration-dependent increase in the maximum rate of rise (dV/dtmax) of an evoked spike potential. These studies suggest 1) bethanechol decreased the membrane potential without altering the slow-wave activity, whereas CCK-OP has a minimal effect on the membrane potential but distorted the slow-wave shape; 2) an increased amplitude of the spike and dV/dtmax of the spike were associated with an increase in phasic contractions after bethanechol or increased [K+]o; 3) the lack of an increase in the spike amplitude and the dV/dtmax to CCK-OP was associated with no increase in phasic contraction.

Effects of K+ Channel Blockers on Developing Rat Myelinated CNS Axons: Identification of Four Types of K+Channels

2002 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 1376-1385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerome Devaux ◽  
Maurice Gola ◽  
Guy Jacquet ◽  
Marcel Crest
Keyword(s):  
Optic Nerve ◽  
Refractory Period ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Optic Nerves ◽  
Kv Channel ◽  
Kv Channels ◽  
Compound Action Potentials ◽  
Channel Expression ◽  
The One

Four blockers of voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv channels) were tested on the compound action potentials (CAPs) of rat optic nerves in an attempt to determine the regulation of Kv channel expression during the process of myelination. Before myelination occurred, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) increased the amplitude, duration, and refractory period of the CAPs. On the basis of their pharmacological sensitivity, 4-AP-sensitive channels were divided in two groups, the one sensitive to kaliotoxin (KTX), dendrotoxin-I (DTX-I), and 4-AP, and the other sensitive only to 4-AP. In addition, tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) applied alone broadened the CAPs. At the onset of myelination, DTX-I induced a more pronounced effect than KTX; this indicates that a fourth group of channels sensitive to 4-AP and DTX-I but insensitive to KTX had developed. The effects of KTX and DTX-I gradually disappeared during the period of myelination. Electron microscope findings showed that the disappearance of these effects was correlated with the ongoing process of myelination. This was confirmed by the fact that DTX-I and KTX enlarged the CAPs of demyelinated adult optic nerves. These results show that KTX- and DTX-sensitive channels are sequestrated in paranodal regions. During the process of myelination, KTX had less pronounced effects than DTX-I on demyelinated nerves, which suggests that the density of the KTX-sensitive channels decreased during this process. By contrast, 4-AP increased the amplitude, duration, and refractory period of the CAPs at all the ages tested and to a greater extent than KTX and DTX-I. The effects of TEA alone also gradually disappeared during this period. However, effects of TEA on CAPs were observed when this substance was applied after 4-AP to the adult optic nerve; this shows that TEA-sensitive channels are not masked by the myelin sheath. In conclusion, the process of myelination seems to play an important part in the regulation and setting of Kv channels in optic nerve axons.

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