Abstract 15995: Role of Kir Channels in Flow-Induced Vasodilatation

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang Joon Ahn ◽  
Jing-Tan Bian ◽  
Sarah Schwab ◽  
Mary Szczurek ◽  
Shane A Phillips ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Tone ◽  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
Resistance Arteries ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Kir Channels ◽  
No Release ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor

Introduction: Flow-induced vasodilation (FIV) is an important physiological stimulus for regulating vascular tone. A loss of endothelial-dependent FIV is an early indication of endothelial dysfunction. Earlier studies proposed that endothelial inwardly-rectifying K + channels (Kir) are putative flow sensors, but the role of Kir in the regulation of vascular tone is not known. Hypothesis: Kir channels play a key role in FIV. Methods: FIV was assessed in mouse mesenteric arteries isolated from wild type (WT) and Kir2.1 +/- heterozygous mice. Briefly, resistance arteries were isolated, cannulated and pressurized in an organ chamber with glass micropipettes. Preparations were visualized in real time and the inner diameter of the vessels was measured using acquired images. Kir channels in arteries isolated from WT mice were downregulated by a dominant-negative subunit of Kir2.1 or blocked by Ba 2+ . The role of Kir channels in flow-induced release of NO was tested by Diaminorhodamine-4M, NO specific fluorescence dye. Results: Our results show that FIV is significantly inhibited in mesenteric arteries isolated from Kir2.1 +/- mice that have reduced Kir2.1 expression as compared with WT mice (42%±3% relaxation in Kir2.1 +/- vs 94.06%±2.2% in WT mice, n=11, p<0.05). Moreover, blocking Kir channels with Ba 2+ or downregulating its activity with a dominant-negative subunit of Kir2.1 also resulted in significant inhibition of FIV in arteries isolated from WT mice (47%±3% relaxation in the presence of Ba 2+ , 43%±5% in arteries infected with dnKir2.1 vs 94.06%±2.2% in WT n=3, p<0.05). As expected, inhibiting NO release by LNAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, reduced FIV in WT arteries (39%±5%, n=4, p<0.05), but no effect was observed in arteries isolated from Kir2.1 +/- mice. Furthermore, flow-induced release of NO was significantly reduced (1.5-fold decreased, p<0.05). In contrast, inhibiting Ca 2+ -dependent K + channels (SK/IK) had an additive effect to Kir suppression suggesting that SK/IK and Kir channels regulate FIV by parallel pathways. In conclusion, our results indicate that Kir channels contribute significantly to FIV by regulating NO release.

Modulation of vascular tone in renal microcirculation by erythrocytes: role of EDRF

1993 ◽  
Vol 264 (1) ◽  
pp. H190-H195 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Imig ◽  
D. Gebremedhin ◽  
D. R. Harder ◽  
R. J. Roman
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Tone ◽  
Physiological Salt Solution ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Renal Microcirculation ◽  
Vasoconstrictor Response ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Afferent Arterioles ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor

The effect of erythrocytes (red blood cells, RBC) on vascular tone in the renal microcirculation was examined using the juxtamedullary nephron microvascular preparation perfused in vitro with a physiological salt solution containing 5% albumin. The basal diameters of the arcuate, interlobular, proximal, and distal afferent arterioles averaged 444 +/- 24, 74 +/- 3, 29 +/- 1, and 19 +/- 1 micron, respectively, when perfused with a cell-free solution at a pressure of 80 mmHg. The diameters of the arcuate and interlobular arteries increased by 14 +/- 4 and 13 +/- 4%, respectively, whereas the diameter of the proximal and distal portions of the afferent arterioles decreased by 7 +/- 2% when perfusion pressure was elevated from 80 to 160 mmHg. The addition of RBC to the perfusate reduced the basal diameters of interlobular and afferent arterioles by 11 +/- 4 and 15 +/- 3%, respectively. The maximal vasoconstrictor response was seen after the addition of only 1% RBC to the perfusate. Removal of platelets did not block the vasoconstrictor response to addition of RBC to the perfusate. The role of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) in the vasoconstrictor response to RBC was studied by addition of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 100 microM) to the perfusate. L-NNA reduced the basal diameters of interlobular and afferent arterioles by 7 +/- 3 and 9 +/- 3%, respectively, and abolished the vasoconstrictor response to RBC. L-NNA had no effect on the pressure-diameter relationships of the preglomerular vasculature when added to perfusates already containing RBC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of K(+)-channel blockers on ACh-induced hyperpolarization and relaxation in mesenteric arteries

1997 ◽  
Vol 272 (5) ◽  
pp. H2306-H2312 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Chen ◽  
D. W. Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Inhibitory Effects ◽  
Similar Extent ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Rat Mesenteric Artery ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Oxide Synthase

Acetylcholine (ACh) induces endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization in the rat mesenteric artery in the presence of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine. We have now studied the effects of K(+)-channel blockers on the hyperpolarization responses to ACh in resting and norepinephrine-contracted rat mesenteric arteries. We also measured tension simultaneously to determine whether the inhibitory effects of these agents on relaxation could be correlated to their effects on hyperpolarization. Glibenclamide had no significant effect on the hyperpolarization or relaxation. Tetraethylammonium (TEA, 5 mM) inhibited the hyperpolarization to ACh significantly to a similar extent in both the resting and norepinephrine-stimulated arteries. Charybdotoxin (100–150 nM) caused only a small but significant inhibition. Apamin (0.3 microM) was the most effective in inhibiting the hyperpolarization in resting arteries. It was less effective in the norepinephrine-contracted arteries. A combination of apamin and charybdotoxin completely abolished the hyperpolarization responses in both conditions. The relaxation to ACh was correlated to hyperpolarization. In all cases, the inhibition of the relaxation by the K(+)-channel blockers could be accounted for by their effects on the hyperpolarization. These results indicate that Ca(2+)-activated K(+)-channels, especially those sensitive to apamin, may be the major ion channels mediating endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization to ACh.

Modulation of vasomotion in resistance arteries of JCR:LA-cp rats: a model of insulin resistance

1999 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheila F O'Brien ◽  
James C Russell ◽  
Sandra T Davidge
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
Resistance Arteries ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Insulin Resistant ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Prostaglandin H ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Oxide Synthase

Obesity and insulin resistance are strongly associated with an increased risk of vascular disease. Vasomotion is the cyclic variation in the diameter of arteries and is a general feature of the vasculature that may have important physiological consequences. We tested the hypothesis that obesity - insulin resistance is associated with abnormal vasomotion by comparing obese, insulin-resistant JCR:LA-cp rats, known to develop vasculopathy, atherosclerosis, and ischemic lesions of the heart, with lean insulin-sensitive animals from the same strain. Vasomotion was assessed using isolated mesenteric arteries on a myograph system after preconstriction to 50% of maximal constriction with norepinephrine. The amplitude of vasomotion was enhanced by the presence of meclofenamate, a prostaglandin H synthase inhibitor, and was diminished by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. Removal of the endothelium essentially abolished vasomotion, and meclofenamate had no effect on de-endothelialized arteries. Frequency was not altered by either L-NAME or meclofenamate. Although pharmacological inhibition of nitric oxide and eicosanoid production clearly altered vasomotion, there was no difference in the amplitude or frequency of vasomotion in arteries from obese rats compared with lean rats. These results indicate that the endothelium plays a central role in modulating vasomotion, involving both enhancing and inhibiting effects, and that vasomotion is similar between obese, insulin-resistant and lean, insulin-sensitive rats.Key words: insulin resistance, vasomotion, resistance arteries, JCR:LA-cp rats.

Do cholinergic nerves innervating rat mesenteric arteries regulate vascular tone?

2012 ◽  
Vol 303 (11) ◽  
pp. R1147-R1156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panot Tangsucharit ◽  
Shingo Takatori ◽  
Pengyuan Sun ◽  
Yoshito Zamami ◽  
Mitsuhiro Goda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acetylcholine Receptors ◽  
Vascular Tone ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
Cholinergic Innervation ◽  
Adrenergic Nerve ◽  
Frequency Dependent ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
6 Hydroxydopamine ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Oxide Synthase

Vascular blood vessels have various types of cholinergic acetylcholine receptors (AChR), but the source of ACh has not been confirmed. Perivascular adrenergic nerves and nonadrenergic calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-containing (CGRPergic) nerves innervate rat mesenteric arteries and regulate vascular tone. However, function of cholinergic innervation remains unknown. The present study investigated cholinergic innervation by examining effects of cholinesterase inhibitor (neostigmine), a muscarinic AChR antagonist (atropine), and a nicotinic AChR antagonist (hexamethonium) on adrenergic nerve-mediated vasoconstriction and CGRPergic nerve-mediated vasodilation in rat mesenteric vascular beds without endothelium. In preparations treated with capsaicin (CGRP depletor) or in the presence of Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), perivascular nerve stimulation (PNS; 2–12 Hz) evoked a frequency-dependent vasoconstriction. In the same preparations, exogenous norepinephrine induced a concentration-dependent vasoconstriction. Atropine, hexamethonium, and neostigmine had no effect on vasoconstrictor responses to PNS and norepinephrine injections. In denuded preparations, these cholinergic agents did not affect the PNS (12 Hz)-evoked release of norepinephrine in perfusate. In preconstricted preparations without endothelium in the presence of guanethidine (adrenergic neuron blocker), PNS (1–4 Hz) induced a frequency-dependent vasodilation, which was not affected by atropine, hexamethonium, and neostigmine. In denuded preparations treated with capsaicin and guanethidine, PNS did not induce vascular responses, and atropine, neostigmine, and physostigmine had no effect on PNS. Immunohistochemistry study showed choline acetyltransferase-immunopositive fibers, which were resistant to capsaicin and 6-hydroxydopamine (adrenergic toxin). These results suggest that rat mesenteric arteries have cholinergic innervation, which is different from adrenergic and capsaicin-sensitive nerves and not associated with vascular tone regulation.

scholarly journals Role of arachidonic acid lipoxygenase metabolites in acetylcholine-induced relaxations of mouse arteries

2011 ◽  
Vol 300 (3) ◽  
pp. H725-H735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn M. Gauthier ◽  
Daniel H. Goldman ◽  
Nitin T. Aggarwal ◽  
Yuttana Chawengsub ◽  
J. R. Falck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arachidonic Acid ◽  
Abdominal Aorta ◽  
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid ◽  
Immunoblot Analysis ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid ◽  
Resistance Arteries ◽  
Cox Inhibitor ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor

Arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites function as EDHFs in arteries of many species. They mediate cyclooxygenase (COX)- and nitric oxide (NO)-independent relaxations to acetylcholine (ACh). However, the role of AA metabolites as relaxing factors in mouse arteries remains incompletely defined. ACh caused concentration-dependent relaxations of the mouse thoracic and abdominal aorta and carotid, femoral, and mesentery arteries (maximal relaxation: 57 ± 4%, 72 ± 4%, 82 ± 3%, 80 ± 3%, and 85 ± 3%, respectively). The NO synthase inhibitor nitro-l-arginine (l-NA; 30 μM) blocked relaxations in the thoracic aorta, and l-NA plus the COX inhibitor indomethacin (10 μM) inhibited relaxations in the abdominal aorta and carotid, femoral, and mesenteric arteries (maximal relaxation: 31 ± 10%, 33 ± 5%, 41 ± 8%, and 73 ± 3%, respectively). In mesenteric arteries, NO- and COX-independent relaxations to ACh were inhibited by the lipoxygenase (LO) inhibitors nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA; 10 μM) and BW-755C (200 μM), the K+ channel inhibitor apamin (1 μM), and 60 mM KCl and eliminated by endothelium removal. They were not altered by the cytochrome P-450 inhibitor N-methylsulfonyl-6-(2-propargyloxyphenyl)hexanamide (20 μM) or the epoxyeicosatrienoic acid antagonist 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5( Z)-enoic acid (10 μM). AA relaxations were attenuated by NDGA or apamin and eliminated by 60 mM KCl. Reverse-phase HPLC analysis revealed arterial [14C]AA metabolites that comigrated with prostaglandins, trihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (THETAs), hydroxyepoxyeicosatrienoic acids (HEETAs), and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids were not observed. Mass spectrometry confirmed the identity of 6-keto-PGF1α, PGE2, 12-HETE, 15-HETE, HEETAs, 11,12,15-THETA, and 11,14,15-THETA. AA metabolism was blocked by NDGA and endothelium removal. 11( R),12( S),15( S)-THETA relaxations (maximal relaxation: 73 ± 3%) were endothelium independent and blocked by 60 mM KCl. Western immunoblot analysis and RT-PCR of the aorta and mesenteric arteries demonstrated protein and mRNA expression of leukocyte-type 12/15-LO. Thus, in mouse resistance arteries, 12/15-LO AA metabolites mediate endothelium-dependent relaxations to ACh and AA.

Smooth Muscle-Derived Nitric Oxide is Elevated in Isolated Forearm Veins in Human Alcoholic Cirrhosis

1996 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Ryan ◽  
Garry Jennings ◽  
Frank Dudley ◽  
Jaye Chin-Dusting
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Alcoholic Cirrhosis ◽  
Resistance Arteries ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor

1. Cirrhosis is often complicated by disturbances in the systemic circulation. We have previously demonstrated decreased vascular responses to vasoconstrictors in forearm resistance arteries in subjects with alcoholic cirrhosis. In the current study we investigate the role of the potent endogenous vasodilator nitric oxide in the peripheral circulation of these patients. 2. Ten patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (Pugh grade A) and 10 age-matched control subjects were studied. The effect of blockade of nitric oxide synthesis was studied both in vivo in forearm resistance arteries using forearm venous occlusion plethysmography and in vitro in veins isolated from the forearm. The role of endothelium-derived nitric oxide was studied in vivo using the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine. 3. Mean arterial pressure and forearm basal flow in vivo were similar in the two groups. The constrictor response (percentage decrease in forearm blood flow) to noradrenaline (100 ng/min) was 26% smaller in patients with cirrhosis (31.65 ± 2.64%) than in control subjects (42.75 ± 3.87%, P = 0.037). Constrictor responses to the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-l-arginine were not different in the two groups. Dilator responses to acetylcholine were significantly attenuated in cirrhotic patients compared with control subjects. 4. To investigate the role of smooth muscle-derived nitric oxide in vitro, all veins were stripped of their endothelium. Responses to noradrenaline were significantly diminished in veins isolated from patients with cirrhosis compared with control subjects. Incubation with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Nω-nitro-l-arginine had no effect on responses to noradrenaline in veins from control subjects but significantly enhanced the maximal response to noradrenaline by 23.95% (range 3.77–100%, P = 0.043) in veins from patients with cirrhosis. 5. Responses to noradrenaline were attenuated in vivo in forearm resistance arteries in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. This impairment was also apparent in forearm isolated veins, stripped of the endothelium. Our data exclude a major role for endothelium-derived nitric oxide but highlight a possible role for smooth muscle-derived nitric oxide.

Myogenic reactivity is reduced in small renal arteries isolated from relaxin-treated rats

2002 ◽  
Vol 283 (2) ◽  
pp. R349-R355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Novak ◽  
Rolando J. J. Ramirez ◽  
Robin E. Gandley ◽  
O. David Sherwood ◽  
Kirk P. Conrad
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Virgin Female ◽  
Renal Arteries ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Renal Circulation ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Myogenic Responses ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Oxide Synthase

Administration of the ovarian hormone relaxin to nonpregnant rats vasodilates the renal circulation comparable to pregnancy. This vasodilation is mediated by endothelin (ET), the ETB receptor, and nitric oxide. Furthermore, endogenous relaxin mediates the renal vasodilation and hyperfiltration that occur during gestation. The goal of this study was to investigate whether myogenic reactivity of small renal and mesenteric arteries is reduced in relaxin-treated rats comparable to the pregnant condition. Relaxin or vehicle was administered to virgin female Long-Evans rats for 5 days at 4 μg/h, thereby producing midgestational blood levels of the hormone. The myogenic responses of small renal arteries (200–300 μm in diameter) isolated from these animals were evaluated in an isobaric arteriograph system. Myogenic reactivity was significantly reduced in the small renal arteries from relaxin-treated compared with vehicle-treated rats. The reduced myogenic responses were mediated by the ETB receptor and nitric oxide since the selective ETB receptor antagonist RES-701–1 and the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester restored myogenic reactivity to virgin levels. The influence of relaxin was not limited to the renal circulation because myogenic reactivity was also reduced in small mesenteric arteries isolated from relaxin-treated rats. Thus relaxin administration to nonpregnant rats mimics pregnancy, insofar as myogenic reactivity of small renal and mesenteric arteries is reduced in both conditions.

scholarly journals Vasoactivity of adenosine in the trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) coronary system: involvement of nitric oxide and interaction with noradrenaline

1998 ◽  
Vol 201 (22) ◽  
pp. 3075-3083 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Mustafa ◽  
C Agnisola
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Constant Pressure ◽  
Constant Flow ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Heart Preparation ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Coronary Endothelium ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Working Heart

A vasoconstrictory response to adenosine has been reported in coronary rings from fish. Since the reactivity of the large coronary arteries and the microcirculation may differ, the present study was undertaken to determine the role of adenosine in the intact coronary system of trout under constant pressure or flow using an isolated and non-working heart preparation. The involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and the interaction with noradrenaline were also studied. At 10(-9) to 10(-8 )mol l-1, adenosine caused a vasoconstrictory response, whereas between 10(-7) and 10(-5 )mol l-1 the response was predominantly vasodilative. Theophylline abolished both these responses to adenosine. The vasodilation induced by adenosine (at 10(-5 )mol l-1) was significantly reduced when the preparation was perfused under constant-flow than rather under constant-pressure conditions. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N-nitro-l-arginine (l-NA, 10(-4 )mol l-1) partially reduced the vasodilation induced by adenosine (at 10(-5 )mol l-1) under constant-pressure but not under constant-flow conditions. Perfusion of the intact coronary system with l-arginine or with adenosine significantly increased the rate of nitrite (NO2-) release, while perfusion with l-NA or theophylline reduced NO2- release. Chemical denudation of the coronary endothelium by CHAPS resulted in the loss of both the l-arginine- and adenosine-mediated vasodilation and the l-arginine-induced increase in the rate of NO2- release. Adenosine (10(-5 )mol l-1) offset and overrode the vasoconstriction induced by 10(-7 )mol l-1 noradrenaline. l-NA inhibited only the adenosine-induced vasodilation but not the ability to offset noradrenaline vasoconstriction, excluding the involvement of NO in the interaction between adenosine and noradrenaline.

scholarly journals ESCRT-dependent targeting of plasma membrane localized KCa3.1 to the lysosomes

2010 ◽  
Vol 299 (5) ◽  
pp. C1015-C1027 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corina M. Balut ◽  
Yajuan Gao ◽  
Sandra A. Murray ◽  
Patrick H. Thibodeau ◽  
Daniel C. Devor
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Human Embryonic Kidney Cells ◽  
Endosomal Sorting ◽  
Escrt Machinery ◽  
Interfering Rna

The number of intermediate-conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ channels (KCa3.1) present at the plasma membrane is deterministic in any physiological response. However, the mechanisms by which KCa3.1 channels are removed from the plasma membrane and targeted for degradation are poorly understood. Recently, we demonstrated that KCa3.1 is rapidly internalized from the plasma membrane, having a short half-life in both human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). In this study, we investigate the molecular mechanisms controlling the degradation of KCa3.1 heterologously expressed in HEK and HMEC-1 cells. Using immunofluorescence and electron microscopy, as well as quantitative biochemical analysis, we demonstrate that membrane KCa3.1 is targeted to the lysosomes for degradation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that either overexpressing a dominant negative Rab7 or short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Rab7 results in a significant inhibition of channel degradation rate. Coimmunoprecipitation confirmed a close association between Rab7 and KCa3.1. On the basis of these findings, we assessed the role of the ESCRT machinery in the degradation of heterologously expressed KCa3.1, including TSG101 [endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-I] and CHMP4 (ESCRT-III) as well as VPS4, a protein involved in the disassembly of the ESCRT machinery. We demonstrate that TSG101 is closely associated with KCa3.1 via coimmunoprecipitation and that a dominant negative TSG101 inhibits KCa3.1 degradation. In addition, both dominant negative CHMP4 and VPS4 significantly decrease the rate of membrane KCa3.1 degradation, compared with wild-type controls. These results are the first to demonstrate that plasma membrane-associated KCa3.1 is targeted for lysosomal degradation via a Rab7 and ESCRT-dependent pathway.

scholarly journals D. russelii Venom Mediates Vasodilatation of Resistance Like Arteries via Activation of Kv and KCa Channels

Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahini Kakumanu ◽  
Sanjaya Kuruppu ◽  
Lachlan Rash ◽  
Geoffrey Isbister ◽  
Wayne Hodgson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Kca Channels ◽  
Russell’S Viper ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor

Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) venom causes a range of clinical effects in humans. Hypotension is an uncommon but severe complication of Russell’s viper envenoming. The mechanism(s) responsible for this effect are unclear. In this study, we examined the cardiovascular effects of Sri Lankan D. russelii venom in anaesthetised rats and in isolated mesenteric arteries. D. russelii venom (100 μg/kg, i.v.) caused a 45 ± 8% decrease in blood pressure within 10 min of administration in anaesthetised (100 μg/kg ketamine/xylazine 10:1 ratio, i.p.) rats. Venom (1 ng/mL–1 μg/mL) caused concentration-dependent relaxation (EC50 = 145.4 ± 63.6 ng/mL, Rmax = 92 ± 2%) in U46619 pre-contracted rat small mesenteric arteries mounted in a myograph. Vasorelaxant potency of venom was unchanged in the presence of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-NAME (100 µM), or removal of the endothelium. In the presence of high K+ (30 mM), the vasorelaxant response to venom was abolished. Similarly, blocking voltage-dependent (Kv: 4-aminopryidine; 1000 µM) and Ca2+-activated (KCa: tetraethylammonium (TEA; 1000 µM); SKCa: apamin (0.1 µM); IKCa: TRAM-34 (1 µM); BKCa; iberiotoxin (0.1 µM)) K+ channels markedly attenuated venom-induced relaxation. Responses were unchanged in the presence of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker glibenclamide (10 µM), or H1 receptor antagonist, mepyramine (0.1 µM). Venom-induced vasorelaxtion was also markedly decreased in the presence of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) antagonist, RN-1734 (10 µM). In conclusion, D. russelii-venom-induced hypotension in rodents may be due to activation of Kv and KCa channels, leading to vasorelaxation predominantly via an endothelium-independent mechanism. Further investigation is required to identify the toxin(s) responsible for this effect.

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