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Abnormalities of pancreatic islets by targeted expression of a dominant-negative KATP channel.

ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels are known to play important roles in various cellular functions, but the direct consequences of disruption of KATP channel function are largely unknown. We have generated transgenic mice expressing a dominant-negative form of the KATP channel subunit Kir6.2 (Kir6.2G132S, substitution of glycine with serine at position 132) in pancreatic beta cells. Kir6.2G132S transgenic mice develop hypoglycemia with hyperinsulinemia in neonates and hyperglycemia with hypoinsulinemia and decreased beta cell population in adults. KATP channel function is found to be impaired in the beta cells of transgenic mice with hyperglycemia. In addition, both resting membrane potential and basal calcium concentrations are shown to be significantly elevated in the beta cells of transgenic mice. We also found a high frequency of apoptotic beta cells before the appearance of hyperglycemia in the transgenic mice, suggesting that the KATP channel might play a significant role in beta cell survival in addition to its role in the regulation of insulin secretion.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

ATPase activity of the sulfonylurea receptor: a catalytic function for the KATP channel complex.

ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels are unique metabolic sensors formed by association of Kir6.2, an inwardly rectifying K+ channel, and the sulfonylurea receptor SUR, an ATP binding cassette protein. We identified an ATPase activity in immunoprecipitates of cardiac KATP channels and in purified fusion proteins containing nucleotide binding domains NBD1 and NBD2 of the cardiac SUR2A isoform. NBD2 hydrolyzed ATP with a twofold higher rate compared to NBD1. The ATPase required Mg2+ and was insensitive to ouabain, oligomycin, thapsigargin, or levamisole. K1348A and D1469N mutations in NBD2 reduced ATPase activity and produced channels with increased sensitivity to ATP. KATP channel openers, which bind to SUR, promoted ATPase activity in purified sarcolemma. At higher concentrations, openers reduced ATPase activity, possibly through stabilization of MgADP at the channel site. K1348A and D1469N mutations attenuated the effect of openers on KATP channel activity. Opener-induced channel activation was also inhibited by the creatine kinase/creatine phosphate system that removes ADP from the channel complex. Thus, the KATP channel complex functions not only as a K+ conductance, but also as an enzyme regulating nucleotide-dependent channel gating through an intrinsic ATPase activity of the SUR subunit. Modulation of the channel ATPase activity and/or scavenging the product of the ATPase reaction provide novel means to regulate cellular functions associated with KATP channel opening.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Concerted gating mechanism underlying KATP channel inhibition by ATP.

KATP channels assemble from four regulatory SUR1 and four pore-forming Kir6.2 subunits. At the single-channel current level, ATP-dependent gating transitions between the active burst and the inactive interburst conformations underlie inhibition of the KATP channel by intracellular ATP. Previously, we identified a slow gating mutation, T171A in the Kir6.2 subunit, which dramatically reduces rates of burst to interburst transitions in Kir6.2DeltaC26 channels without SUR1 in the absence of ATP. Here, we constructed all possible mutations at position 171 in Kir6.2DeltaC26 channels without SUR1. Only four substitutions, 171A, 171F, 171H, and 171S, gave rise to functional channels, each increasing Ki,ATP for ATP inhibition by >55-fold and slowing gating to the interburst by >35-fold. Moreover, we investigated the role of individual Kir6.2 subunits in the gating by comparing burst to interburst transition rates of channels constructed from different combinations of slow 171A and fast T171 "wild-type" subunits. The relationship between gating transition rate and number of slow subunits is exponential, which excludes independent gating models where any one subunit is sufficient for inhibition gating. Rather, our results support mechanisms where four ATP sites independently can control a single gate formed by the concerted action of all four Kir6.2 subunit inner helices of the KATP channel.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

The mitochondrial KATP channel as a receptor for potassium channel openers.

The biochemical properties of the mitochondrial KATP channel are very similar to those of plasma membrane KATP channels, including inhibition by low concentrations of ATP and glyburide (Paucek, P., Mironova, G., Mahdi, F., Beavis, A. D., Woldegiorgis, G., and Garlid, K. D. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 26062-26069). Plasma membrane KATP channels are highly sensitive to the family of drugs known as K+ channel openers, raising the question whether mitochondrial KATP channels are similarly sensitive to these agents. We addressed this question by measuring K+ flux in intact rat liver mitochondria and in liposomes containing KATP channels purified from rat liver and beef heart mitochondria. K+ channel openers completely reversed ATP inhibition of K+ flux in both systems. In liposomes, ATP-inhibited K+ flux was restored by diazoxide (K1/2 = 0.4 microM), cromakalim (K1/2 = 1 microM), and two developmental cromakalim analogues, EMD60480 and EMD57970 (K1/2 = 6 nM). Similar K1/2 values were observed in intact mitochondria. These potencies are well within the range observed with plasma membrane KATP channels. We also compared the potencies of these K+ channel openers on the plasma membrane KATP channel purified from beef heart myocytes. The KATP channel from cardiac mitochondria is 2000-fold more sensitive to diazoxide than the channel from cardiac sarcolemma, indicating that two distinct receptor subtypes coexist within the myocyte. We suggest that the mitochondrial KATP channel is an important intracellular receptor that should be taken into account in considering the pharmacology of K+ channel openers.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Dose-dependent activation and block by bisG10, a K+ channel blocker, of mouse and frog skeletal muscle KATP channels.

The effects of a K+ channel blocker, bisG10, were examined on ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels in membrane patches excised from mammalian and amphibian skeletal muscle fibres using the patch-clamp technique. At micromolar concentrations, bisG10, added on the intracellular side, induced a strong, reversible, flickery block of KATP channels. BisG10, added on the extracellular side, was about 100-fold less potent at inhibiting channel activity. At 10 nM, intracellular bisG10 increased KATP channel activity. This activation was independent of the presence of internal ATP or Mg2+. The inhibitory effect of bisG10 most likely arose from open-channel block whereas activation could result from more complex, indirect interactions.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Calcium preconditioning, but not ischemic preconditioning, bypasses the adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium (KATP) channel.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence has implicated the KATP channel as an important mediator of ischemic preconditioning (IPC). Indeed, patients taking oral sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agents (i.e., KATP channel inhibitors) for treatment of diabetes mellitus are resistant to the otherwise profoundly protective effects of IPC. Unfortunately, many cardiopulmonary bypass patients, who may benefit from IPC, are chronically exposed to these agents. Calcium preconditioning (CPC) is a potent form of similar myocardial protection which may or may not utilize the KATP channel in its mechanism of protection. The purpose of this study was to determine whether CPC may bypass the KATP channel in its mechanism of action. If so, CPC may offer an alternative to IPC in patients chronically exposed to these agents. METHODS: Isolated rat hearts (n = 6-8/group) were perfused (Langendorff) and received KATP channel inhibition (glibenclamide) or saline vehicle 10 min prior to either a CPC or IPC preconditioning stimulus or neither (ischemia and reperfusion, I/R). Hearts were subjected to global warm I/R (20 min/40 min). Postischemic myocardial functional recovery was determined by measuring developed pressure (DP), coronary flow (CF), and compliance (end diastolic pressure, EDP) with a MacLab pressure digitizer. RESULTS: Both CPC and IPC stimuli protected myocardium against postischemic dysfunction (P < 0.05 vs I/R; ANOVA with Bonferroni/Dunn): DP increased from 52 +/- 4 (I/R) to 79 +/- 2 and 83 +/- 4 mmHg; CF increased from 11 +/- 0.7 to 17 +/- 2 and 16 +/- 1 ml/min; and EDP decreased (compliance improved) from 50 +/- 7 to 27 +/- 5 and 31 +/- 7 mmHg. However, KATP channel inhibition abolished protection in hearts preconditioned with IPC (P < 0.05 vs IPC alone), but not in those preconditioned with CPC (P > 0.05 vs CPC alone). CONCLUSIONS: (1) Both IPC and CPC provide similar myocardial protection; (2) IPC and CPC operate via different mechanisms; i.e., IPC utilizes the KATP channel whereas CPC does not; and (3) CPC may offer a means of bypassing the deleterious effects of KATP channel inhibition in diabetic patients chronically exposed to oral sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agents.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

KATP channels gated by intracellular nucleotides and phospholipids.

The KATP channel is a heterooctamer composed of two different subunits, four inwardly rectifying K+ channel subunits, either Kir6. 1 or Kir6.2, and four sulfonylurea receptors (SUR), which belong to the family of ABC transporters. This unusual molecular architecture is related to the complex gating behaviour of these channels. Intracellular ATP inhibits KATP channels by binding to the Kir6.x subunits, whereas Mg-ADP increases channel activity by a hydrolysis reaction at the SUR. This ATP/ADP dependence allows KATP channels to link metabolism to excitability, which is important for many physiological functions, such as insulin secretion and cell protection during periods of ischemic stress. Recent work has uncovered a new class of regulatory molecules for KATP channel gating. Membrane phospholipids such as phosphoinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate and phosphatidylinositiol 4-monophosphate were found to interact with KATP channels resulting in increased open probability and markedly reduced ATP sensitivity. The membrane concentration of these phospholipids is regulated by a set of enzymes comprising phospholipases, phospholipid phosphatases and phospholipid kinases providing a possible mechanism for control of cell excitability through signal transduction pathways that modulate activity of these enzymes. This review discusses the mechanisms and molecular determinants that underlie gating of KATP channel by nucleotides and phospholipids and their physiological implications.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Gestational change of K+ channel opener effect is correlated with the expression of uterine KATP channel subunits.

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the gestational changes of pharmacological activity and molecular levels of KATP channels in rat myometrium. STUDY DESIGN: Using rat myometrium, the effects of K+ channel openers (KCOs) were examined in an isometric tension study of oxytocin-induced contraction. We also examined the effects of KCOs on the intracellular Ca2+ levels of cultured myometrial cells. The expression of myometrial KATP channels was assessed by RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis. RESULTS: The effect of KCOs were altered during pregnancy, with a significant increase of their potency at day 18 of pregnancy followed by a decline towards the non-pregnant level at the day of delivery. KCOs suppressed the Ca2+ influx across the cell membrane. The mRNAs encoding each component of myometrial KATP channels, Kir6.1 and SUR2B, exhibited gestational stage-dependent alterations similar to those of the effects of KCOs. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that KCOs inhibit uterine myometrial contraction more effectively during pregnancy than in the non-pregnant state due to gestation-enhanced expression of KATP channels, implying that KCOs might be useful for preventing premature delivery.

Animals↗

Octameric stoichiometry of the KATP channel complex.

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels link cellular metabolism to electrical activity in nerve, muscle, and endocrine tissues. They are formed as a functional complex of two unrelated subunits-a member of the Kir inward rectifier potassium channel family, and a sulfonylurea receptor (SUR), a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter family, which includes cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulators and multidrug resistance protein, regulators of chloride channel activity. This recent discovery has brought together proteins from two very distinct superfamilies in a novel functional complex. The pancreatic KATP channel is probably formed specifically of Kir6.2 and SUR1 isoforms. The relationship between SUR1 and Kir6.2 must be determined to understand how SUR1 and Kir6.2 interact to form this unique channel. We have used mutant Kir6.2 subunits and dimeric (SUR1-Kir6.2) constructs to examine the functional stoichiometry of the KATP channel. The data indicate that the KATP channel pore is lined by four Kir6.2 subunits, and that each Kir6.2 subunit requires one SUR1 subunit to generate a functional channel in an octameric or tetradimeric structure.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Ischemic preconditioning protection against stunning in conscious diabetic sheep: role of glucose, insulin, sarcolemmal and mitochondrial KATP channels.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcolemmal and mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels have been postulated to participate in preconditioning protection against infarction and stunning. However, these structures appear to be altered in diabetes and thus, it would be possible that preconditioning does not develop in diabetic hearts. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to know whether early (EP) and late (LP) ischemic preconditioning against stunning develop in conscious diabetic (D) sheep and whether diabetes affects KATP channel function. METHODS: Male castrated sheep received alloxan monohydrate (1 g) and were ascribed to three experimental groups: control [DC, 12 min of ischemia (i) followed by 2 h of reperfusion (r)], early preconditioning (DEP, six 5 min i-5 min r periods were performed 45 min before the 12 min i) and late preconditioning (DLP, same as DEP except that the preconditioning stimulus was performed 24 h before the 12 min i). Regional mechanics during reperfusion was evaluated by wall thickening fraction (%WTH) and expressed as percentage of basal values (100%), and KATP channel behavior was indirectly assessed by monophasic action potential duration (MAPD) in relation to its sensitivity to glibenclamide blockade (0.1 and 0.4 mg/kg). The results were compared to those obtained in normal (N) sheep. The effects of sarcolemmal and mitochondrial KATP channel blockade on recovery from stunning were assessed by administration of glibenclamide (0.1 and 0.4 mg/kg) and 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD, 5 mg/kg i.v.) and/or diazoxide (10 microg/kg/min over 90 min). Whether acute hyperglycemia (H) in normal animals and insulin (I) treatment in diabetic sheep affected preconditioning protection and KATP channel behavior were also evaluated. RESULTS: Results expressed as mean % recovery of %WTH showed that preconditioning protected against stunning in normal sheep (NC=65+/-3.5, NLP=82+/-6**, NEP=76+/-4*, *P<0.05 and **P<0.01 against NC) while this did not occur in diabetic ones, where DLP (58+/-7.6) afforded a similar recovery to DC (54+/-5) and DEP worsened instead of improving mechanical function (37+/-9, P<0.01 against DC). Acute hyperglycemia did not affect preconditioning development (NEPH=72+/-3 and NLPH=80+/-4) and insulin treatment reverted the lack of early and late preconditioning protection in diabetic hearts (DEPI=72+/-4* and DLPI=76+/-3*, P<0.05 against DC). Sarcolemmal KATP channel behavior appeared altered in diabetic hearts as shown by MAPD in normal sheep (276+10 ms) compared to diabetic ones (365+9 ms, P<0.05) and by the sensitivity to glibenclamide [0.1 mg/kg completely blocked KATP channels in diabetic (P<0.05) but not in normal hearts]. Insulin also restored MAPD in diabetic heart. Mitochondrial KATP channels appeared not to account for the reported results in diabetes, since glibenclamide (%WTH=40+/-4, P<0.01 vs. NC), but not 5HD nor diazoxide affected myocardial functional recovery during reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcolemmal KATP channel dysfunction due to the lack of insulin affords a primary approach to explain the absence of preconditioning protection against stunning in diabetic sheep hearts.

Action Potentials↗

Cloning and functional expression of a rat heart KATP channel.

Potassium channels that are ATP-sensitive (KATP) couple membrane potential to the metabolic status of the cell. KATP channels are inhibited by intracellular ATP and are stimulated by intracellular nucleotide diphosphates. KATP channels are important regulators of secretory processes and muscle contraction, and are targets for therapeutic treatment of type II diabetes by the inhibitory sulphonylureas and for hypertension by activators such as pinacidil. In cardiac tissue, KATP channels are central regulators of post-ischaemic cardioprotection. Electrophysiological and pharmacological characteristics vary among KATP channels recorded from diverse tissues suggesting extensive molecular heterogeneity. A complementary DNA encoding a KATP channel was isolated from rat heart using the polymerase chain reaction. We report here that the expressed channels possess all of the essential features of native cardiac KATP channels, including sensitivity to intracellular nucleotides. In addition the cloned channels are activated by the potassium channel opener, pinacidil, but are not inhibited by the sulphonylurea, glibenclamide.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Effects of thiol-modifying agents on KATP channels in guinea pig ventricular cells.

ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels are thought only to open during conditions of metabolic impairment (e.g., myocardial ischemia). However, the regulation of KATP channel opening during ischemia remains poorly understood. We tested whether thiol (SH) group oxidation, which is known to occur during ischemia, may be involved in KATP channel regulation. Inside-out membrane patches were voltage clamped at a constant potential (O mV) in asymmetrical K+ solutions. The effects of compounds that specifically modify SH groups [p-chloromercuri-phenylsulfonic acid (pCMPS), 5-5'-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) [DTNB], and thimerosal] were tested. The membrane-impermeable compound, pCMPS (> or = 5 microM), caused a quick and irreversible inhibition of KATP channel activity. The reducing agent, dl-dithiothreitol (DTT) (3 mM) was able to reverse this inhibition. DTNB (500 microM) caused a rapid, but spontaneously reversible, block of KATP channel activity. After DTNB, no change was observed in single channel conductance. Oxidized glutathione (GSSG, 3 mM) did not block KATP channel activity. Thimerosal (100-500 microM) induced a DTT-reversible block of partially rundown KATP channels, or channels that underwent complete rundown; these channels were reactivated with trypsin (1 mg/ml). Thimerosal did not block KATP channels that had a high degree of activity. However, the ATP sensitivity was decreased; the concentration of ATP needed to half-maximally inhibit the channel (Ki) was increased from 47 +/- 12 to 221 +/- 35 microM (n = 6, P < 0.05). This was not due to a spontaneous change with time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

4-Chloromercuribenzenesulfonate↗

A role for nitric oxide in hypoxia-induced activation of cardiac KATP channels in goldfish (Carassius auratus).

Hypoxia-induced shortening of cardiac action potential duration (APD) has been attributed in mammalian hearts to the activation of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels. Since KATP channels are also present at high densities in the hearts of vertebrate ectotherms, speculation arises as to their function during periods of reduced environmental oxygen. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in cardiac sarcolemmal KATP channel activation during hypoxia in a species with a high degree of tolerance to low oxygen environments: the goldfish (Carassius auratus). Conventional intracellular and patch-clamp recording techniques were used to record responses from excised ventricles or isolated ventricular myocytes and inside-out patches, respectively, from fish acclimated at 21 degrees C. During moderate, substrate-free hypoxia (6.1 +/- 0.2 kPa), ventricular APD was significantly shortened at 50% and 90% of full repolarization, a response that was reversible upon reoxygenation and blocked by the KATP channel antagonist BDM. Under normoxic conditions, APD was also reduced in the presence of the NO-donor SNAP (100 micromol l(-1)). In cell-attached membrane patches, sarcolemmal KATP channel activity was enhanced after 10 min hypoxia, an effect that was reduced or eliminated by simultaneous exposure to BDM, to the guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ or to the NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME. In cell-free patches, KATP channel activity was abolished by 2 mmol l(-1) ATP but increased by SNAP; the cGMP analog 8-Br-cGMP (200 micromol l(-1)) also enhanced activity, an effect that was eliminated by BDM. Our data indicate that NO synthesized in cardiac myocytes could enhance sarcolemmal KATP channel activation during moderate hypoxia in goldfish. This response may serve a cardioprotective role by helping to conserve ATP or by reducing intracellular Ca2+ accumulation.

Action Potentials↗

Y-26763 protects the working rat myocardium from ischemia/reperfusion injury through opening of KATP channels.

This investigation was undertaken to determine the possible protection against ischemia afforded by Y-26763, [(-)-(3S,4R)-4-(N- acetyl-N-hydroxyamino)-6-cyano-3,4-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-2H-1-benzopyran- 3- ol], which has K+ channel-opening properties, in isolated rat hearts under working conditions. This preparation was subjected to 28 min of global ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion. Drugs were injected into the aortic cannula prior to ischemia. Compared to control, Y-26763 (1 microM) resulted in a significant recovery of post-ischemic cardiac functions, significant reduction of cellular enzyme loss, and preserved significantly the stocks of cellular high-energy phosphates and the myocyte ultrastructure. These effects of Y-26763 were completely prevented by glibenclamide (10 microM), a specific K+ channel blocker of KATP channels. In non-ischemic conditions, Y-26763 significantly increased coronary flow without affecting cardiac output and heart rate. The data were analyzed statistically by analysis of variance. The results clearly demonstrate that Y-26763 protects the myocardium from ischemic injury by opening KATP channels.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Selective mitochondrial KATP channel activation by nicorandil and 3-pyridyl pinacidil results in antiarrhythmic effect in an anesthetized rabbit model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion.

The roles of cardiomyocyte sarcolemmal ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) and mitochondrial KATP channels in cardioprotection and antiarrhythmic activity induced by KATP channel openers remain obscure. However, it has been suggested that the mitochondrial KATP channels are involved as a subcellular mediator in cardioprotection afforded by ischemic preconditioning. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the administration of non-hypotensive doses of ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP) openers (nicorandil and 3-pyridyl pinacidil), a specific mitochondrial KATP channel blocker (5-hydroxydecanoate) and a specific sarcolemmal KATP channel blocker (HMR 1883; 1-[5-[2-(5-chloro-o-anisamido)ethyl]-2-methoxyphenyl]sulfonyl-3- methylthiourea) prior to and during coronary occlusion, as well as prior to and during post-ischemic reperfusion, on survival rate, ischemia-induced and reperfusion-induced arrhythmias and myocardial infarct size in anesthetized albino rabbits. The thorax was opened in the left 4th intercostal space and after pericardiotomy the heart was exposed. In Group I (n = 80), occlusion of the left main coronary artery and hence, myocardial ischemia-induced arrhythmias were achieved by tightening a previously placed loose silk ligature for 30 min. In Group II (n = 186), arrhythmias were induced by reperfusion following a 20 min ligation of the left main coronary artery. In both Group I and Group II, early intravenous infusion of nicorandil (100 micrograms/kg bolus + 10 micrograms/kg/min), 3-pyridyl pinacidil (3.0 micrograms/kg bolus + 1.0 microgram/kg/min), HMR 1883 (3 mg/kg)/nicorandil and HMR 1883 (3 mg/kg)/3-pyridyl pinacidil, just prior to and during ischemia, increased survival rate (75%, 67%, 86% and 75% vs. 60% in the control subgroup in Group I; 67%, 75%, 75% and 67% vs. 43% in the control subgroup in Group II), significantly decreased the incidence and severity of life-threatening arrhythmias and significantly decreased myocardial infarct size. However, late intravenous administration of nicorandil or 3-pyridyl pinacidil at the onset of and during reperfusion did not increase survival rate nor confer any antiarrhythmic or cardioprotective effects. The antiarrhythmic and cardioprotective effects of both nicorandil and 3-pyridyl pinacidil were abolished by pretreating the rabbits with 5-hydroxydecanoate (5 mg/kg, i.v. bolus), a selective mitochondrial KATP channel blocker, but not by pretreatment with HMR 1883 (3 mg/kg). In the present study, higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and lower levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the necrotic zone of myocardium in all sixteen subgroups in Group II suggest little anti-free radical property of nicorandil and 3-pyridyl pinacidil. Therefore, we may conclude that intervention by intravenous administration of nicorandil and 3-pyridyl pinacidil (through the selective activation of mitochondrial KATP channels), increases survival rate and exhibits antiarrhythmic and cardioprotective effects during coronary occlusion and reperfusion in anesthetized rabbits, when administered prior to and during coronary occlusion. The mitochondrial KATP channel may be considered to be a potentially important site of cardioprotection and antiarrhythmic activity.

Animals↗

MgATP activates the beta cell KATP channel by interaction with its SUR1 subunit.

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in the pancreatic beta cell membrane mediate insulin release in response to elevation of plasma glucose levels. They are open at rest but close in response to glucose metabolism, producing a depolarization that stimulates Ca2+ influx and exocytosis. Metabolic regulation of KATP channel activity currently is believed to be mediated by changes in the intracellular concentrations of ATP and MgADP, which inhibit and activate the channel, respectively. The beta cell KATP channel is a complex of four Kir6.2 pore-forming subunits and four SUR1 regulatory subunits: Kir6.2 mediates channel inhibition by ATP, whereas the potentiatory action of MgADP involves the nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) of SUR1. We show here that MgATP (like MgADP) is able to stimulate KATP channel activity, but that this effect normally is masked by the potent inhibitory effect of the nucleotide. Mg2+ caused an apparent reduction in the inhibitory action of ATP on wild-type KATP channels, and MgATP actually activated KATP channels containing a mutation in the Kir6.2 subunit that impairs nucleotide inhibition (R50G). Both of these effects were abolished when mutations were made in the NBDs of SUR1 that are predicted to abolish MgATP binding and/or hydrolysis (D853N, D1505N, K719A, or K1384M). These results suggest that, like MgADP, MgATP stimulates KATP channel activity by interaction with the NBDs of SUR1. Further support for this idea is that the ATP sensitivity of a truncated form of Kir6.2, which shows functional expression in the absence of SUR1, is unaffected by Mg2+.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

KATP channels contribute to beta- and adenosine receptor-mediated pulmonary vasorelaxation.

ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels have been implicated in the regulation of vasomotor tone in aortic, mesenteric, and pulmonary vascular smooth muscle. Several investigators have described an association between KATP channels and isoproterenol (Iso)-stimulated relaxation responses. To study the relationship between receptor-dependent pulmonary vasorelaxation and KATP channels, we examined the response to agonists that generate adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate at two distinct levels of the signal transduction pathway after inhibition or activation of KATP channels in isolated rat pulmonary artery rings. Cumulative concentration responses to beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation (Iso), purinergic receptor stimulation [adenosine (Ado)], and direct stimulation of adenylate cyclase [forskolin (FSK)] were studied with and without concurrent inhibition of KATP channels (glibenclamide or tolbutamide). In addition, the effect of direct KATP channel activation (cromakalim) on the response to beta-adrenergic and purinergic receptor stimulation was determined. Last, we investigated the influence of KATP channel inhibition on endothelium-dependent and -independent mechanisms of pulmonary vasorelaxation linked to guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate production. KATP channel inhibition impaired the response to Iso and Ado. Activation of KATP channels caused a leftward shift in the dose responses of Iso and Ado, with a significant decrease in the 50% effective concentration for each agent. KATP channel inhibition did not impair the pulmonary arterial vasorelaxation response to FSK, acetylcholine, or sodium nitroprusside. KATP channels appear to contribute to beta-adrenergic and purinergic receptor-stimulated vasorelaxation in rat pulmonary arteries.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Hypoxia-induced preconditioning in adult stimulated cardiomyocytes is mediated by the opening and trafficking of sarcolemmal KATP channels.

The opening of sarcolemmal and mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K(+) (KATP) channels in the heart is believed to mediate ischemic preconditioning, a phenomenon whereby brief periods of ischemia/reperfusion protect the heart against myocardial infarction. Here, we have applied digital epifluorescent microscopy, immunoprecipitation and Western blotting, perforated patch clamp electrophysiology, and immunofluorescence/laser confocal microscopy to examine the involvement of KATP channels in cardioprotection afforded by preconditioning. We have shown that adult, stimulated-to-beat, guinea-pig cardiomyocytes survived in sustained hypoxia for approximately 17 min. An episode of 5-min-long hypoxia/5-min-long reoxygenation before sustained hypoxia dramatically increased the duration of cellular survival. Experiments with different antagonists of KATP channels, applied at different times during the experimental protocol, suggested that the opening of sarcolemmal KATP channels at the beginning of sustained hypoxia mediate preconditioning. This conclusion was supported by perforated patch clamp experiments that revealed activation of sarcolemmal KATP channels by preconditioning. Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting as well as immunofluorescence and laser confocal microscopy showed that the preconditioning is associated with the increase in KATP channel proteins in sarcolemma. Inhibition of trafficking of KATP channel subunits prevented preconditioning without affecting sensitivity of cardiomyocytes to hypoxia in the absence of preconditioning. We conclude that the preconditioning is mediated by the activation and trafficking of sarcolemmal KATP channels.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗