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[125I]A-312110, a novel high-affinity 1,4-dihydropyridine ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener: characterization and pharmacology of binding.

Although ATP-sensitive K+ channels continue to be explored for their therapeutic potential, developments in high-affinity radioligands to investigate native and recombinant KATP channels have been less forthcoming. This study reports the identification and pharmacological characterization of a novel iodinated 1,4-dihydropyridine KATP channel opener, [125I]A-312110 [(9R)-9-(4-fluoro-3-125iodophenyl)-2,3,5,9-tetrahydro-4H-pyrano[3,4-b]thieno[2,3-e]pyridin-8(7H)-one-1,1-dioxide]. Binding of [125I]A-312110 to guinea pig cardiac (KD = 5.8 nM) and urinary bladder (KD = 4.9 nM) membranes were of high affinity, saturable, and to a single set of binding sites. Displacement of [125I]A-312110 by structurally diverse potassium channel openers (KCOs) indicated a similar rank order of potency in both guinea pig cardiac and bladder membranes (Ki, heart): A-312110 (4.3 nM) > N-cyano-N'-(1,1-dimethylpropyl)-N"-3-pyridylguanidine (P1075) > (-)-N-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-N'-(1,2,3-trimethylpropyl)-2-nitroethene-1,1-diamine (Bay X 9228) > pinacidil > (-)-cromakalim > N-(4-benzoyl phenyl)-3,3,3-trifluro-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropionamine (ZD6169) > 9-(3-cyanophenyl)-3,4,6,7,9,10-hexahydro-1,8-(2H,5H)-acridinedione (ZM244085) >> diazoxide (16.7 microM). Displacement by KATP channel blockers, the sulfonylurea glyburide, and the cyanoguanidine N-[1-(3-chlorophenyl)cyclobutyl]-N'-cyano-N"-3-pyridinyl-guanidine (PNU-99963) were biphasic in the heart but monophasic in bladder with about a 100- to 500-fold difference in Ki values between high- and low-affinity sites. Good correlations were observed between cardiac or bladder-binding affinities of KCOs with functional activation as assessed by their respective potencies to either suppress action potential duration (APD) in Purkinje fibers or to relax electrical field-stimulated bladder contractions. Collectively, these results demonstrate that [125I]A-312110 binds with high affinity and has an improved activity profile compared with other radiolabeled KCOs. [125I]A-312110 is a useful tool for investigation of the molecular and functional properties of the KATP channel complex and for the identification, in a high throughput manner, of both novel channel blockers and openers that interact with cardiac/smooth muscle-type KATP channels.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Coactivation of capacitative calcium entry and L-type calcium channels in guinea pig gallbladder.

We have evaluated the presence of capacitative Ca(2+) entry (CCE) in guinea pig gallbladder smooth muscle (GBSM), including a possible relation with activation of L-type Ca(2+) channels. Changes in cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration induced by Ca(2+) entry were assessed by digital microfluorometry in isolated, fura 2-loaded GBSM cells. Application of thapsigargin, a specific inhibitor of the Ca(2+) store pump, induced a transient Ca(2+) release followed by sustained entry of extracellular Ca(2+). Depletion of the stores with thapsigargin, cyclopiazonic acid, ryanodine and caffeine, high levels of the Ca(2+)-mobilizing hormone cholecystokinin octapeptide, or simple removal of external Ca(2+) resulted in a sustained increase in Ca(2+) entry on subsequent reapplication of Ca(2+). This entry was attenuated by 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborane, L-type Ca(2+) channel blockade, pinacidil, and Gd(3+). Accumulation of the voltage-sensitive dye 3,3'-dipentylcarbocyanine and direct intracellular recordings showed that depletion of the stores is sufficient for depolarization of the plasma membrane. Contractility studies in intact gallbladder muscle strips showed that CCE induced contractions. The CCE-evoked contraction was sensitive to 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborane, L-type Ca(2+) channel blockers, and Gd(3+). We conclude that, in GBSM, release of Ca(2+) from internal stores activates a CCE pathway and depolarizes plasma membrane, allowing coactivation of voltage-operated L-type Ca(2+) channels. This process may play a role in excitation-contraction coupling in GBSM.

Animals↗

Regulation of K(ATP) channels by P(2Y) purinoceptors coupled to PIP(2) metabolism in guinea pig ventricular cells.

We used patch-clamp techniques to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels by stimulation of P(2) purinoceptors in guinea pig ventricular myocytes. Extracellular ATP at 0.1 mM transiently inhibited by 90.5 +/- 5.0% the whole cell K(ATP) channel current evoked by a reduction in intracellular ATP concentration to 0.5 mM and exposure to 30 microM pinacidil. ADP and AMP (both 1 mM) also decreased the current by 42.8 +/- 9.3% and 9.4 +/- 4.8%, respectively, but adenosine did not, even at 10 mM. ATP-induced channel inhibition was hardly observed in the presence of 0.2 mM suramin, 0.2 mM guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate), or 0.1 mM compound 48/80, whereas it was not influenced by the presence of 0.1 microM staurosporine or 10 mM 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid in the pipette. In the presence of 10 microM wortmannin or the absence of ATP in the cytosol, the ATP-induced channel inhibition was irreversible. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)) at 0.1 mM in the outside-out patch pipette prevented ATP-induced channel inhibition. The half-maximal internal ATP concentrations for inhibition of channel activity determined in inside-out membrane patches were 13.8 microM in the presence and 1.12 mM in the absence of 0.1 mM ATP at the external side. It is concluded that activity of K(ATP) channels is modulated by extracellular ATP by a mechanism involving P(2Y) purinoceptors coupled to GTP-binding proteins associated with reduction of the sarcolemmal PIP(2) concentration via stimulation of phospholipase C.

Adenosine↗

Adenosine and hypoxic dilation of rat coronary small arteries: roles of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel, endothelium, and nitric oxide.

The aims of the study were to examine the roles of the ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel, the endothelium, and nitric oxide (NO) in the responses of rat coronary small arteries to adenosine and hypoxia. Segments of rat coronary vessel were investigated in vitro using pressure myography; all vessels studied developed stable spontaneous myogenic tone during equilibration. Glibenclamide (a K(ATP) channel inhibitor) reversed pinacidil but not 2-deoxyglucose-induced dilation. Both adenosine and hypoxia dilated the vessels, and glibenclamide did not reverse these responses. Endothelial removal or N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) inhibited the dilation to adenosine by approximately 50%; subsequent addition of glibenclamide was without effect. Hypoxic dilation was completely inhibited by endothelium removal or L-NAME. We conclude that adenosine- and hypoxia-induced dilation of rat coronary arteries does not appear to involve the K(ATP) channel. Adenosine-induced dilation is partially and hypoxic dilation is completely dependent on endothelium-derived NO.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Hydrogen sulfide-induced relaxation of resistance mesenteric artery beds of rats.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown recently to function as an important gasotransmitter. The present study investigated the vascular effects of H2S, both exogenously applied and endogenously generated, on resistance mesenteric arteries of rats and the underlying mechanisms. Both H2S and NaHS evoked concentration-dependent relaxation of in vitro perfused rat mesenteric artery beds (MAB). The sensitivity of MAB to H2S (EC50, 25.2 +/- 3.6 microM) was about fivefold higher than that of rat aortic tissues. Removal of endothelium or coapplication of charybdotoxin and apamin to endothelium-intact MAB significantly reduced the vasorelaxation effects of H2S. The H2S-induced relaxation of MAB was partially mediated by ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel activity in vascular smooth muscle cells. Pinacidil (EC50, 1.7 +/- 0.1 microM, n=6) mimicked, but glibenclamide (10 microM, n=6) suppressed, the vasorelaxant effect of H2S. KATP channel currents in isolated mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells were significantly augmented by H2S. L-cysteine, a substrate of cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE), at 1 mM increased endogenous H2S production by sixfold in rat mesenteric artery tissues and decreased contractility of MAB. DL-propargylglycine (a blocker of CSE) at 10 microM abolished L-cysteine-dependent increase in H2S production and relaxation of MAB. Our results demonstrated a tissue-specific relaxant response of resistance arteries to H2S. The stimulation of KATP channels in vascular smooth muscle cells and charybdotoxin/apamin-sensitive K+ channels in vascular endothelium by H2S represents important cellular mechanisms for H2S effect on MAB. Our study also demonstrated that endogenous CSE can generate sufficient H2S from exogenous L-cysteine to cause vasodilation. Future studies are merited to investigate direct contribution of endogenous H2S to regulation of vascular tone.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Activation of rat mesenteric arterial KATP channels by 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), the cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid, are candidates of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors. We have previously reported that EETs are potent activators of cardiac ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels, but their effects on the vascular K(ATP) channels are unknown. With the use of whole cell patch-clamp techniques with 0.1 mM ATP in the pipette and holding at -60 mV, freshly isolated smooth muscle cells from rat mesenteric arteries had small glibenclamide-sensitive currents at baseline (13.1 +/- 3.9 pA, n = 5) that showed a 7.2-fold activation by 10 microM pinacidil (94.1 +/- 21.9 pA, n = 7, P < 0.05). 11,12-EET dose dependently activated the K(ATP) current with an apparent EC(50) of 87 nM. Activation of the K(ATP) channels by 500 nM 11,12-EET was inhibited by inclusion of the PKA inhibitor peptide (5 microM) but not by the inclusion of the PKC inhibitor peptide (100 microM) in the pipette solution. These results were corroborated by vasoreactivity studies. 11,12-EET produced dose-dependent vasorelaxation in isolated small mesenteric arteries, and this effect was reduced by 50% with glibenclamide (1 microM) preincubation. The 11,12-EET effects on vasorelaxation were also significantly attenuated by preincubation with cell-permeant PKA inhibitor myristoylated PKI(14-22), and, in the presence of PKA inhibitor, glibenclamide had no additional effects. These results suggest that 11,12-EET is a potent activator of the vascular K(ATP) channels, and its effects are dependent on PKA activities.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid↗

Nitric oxide-cGMP-protein kinase G signaling pathway induces anoxic preconditioning through activation of ATP-sensitive K+ channels in rat hearts.

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in anoxic preconditioning to protect the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injuries. The present work was performed to study better the NO-cGMP-protein kinase G (PKG) signaling pathway in the activation of both sarcolemmal and mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels during anoxic preconditioning (APC) and final influence on reducing anoxia-reperfusion (A/R)-induced cardiac damage in rat hearts. The upstream regulating elements controlling NO-cGMP-PKG signal-induced KATP channel opening that leads to cardioprotection were investigated. The involvement of both inducible and endothelial NO synthases (iNOS and eNOS) in the progression of this signaling pathway was followed. Final cellular outcomes of ischemia-induced injury after different preconditioning in the form of lactate dehydrogenase release, DNA strand breaks, and malondialdehyde formation as indexes of cell injury and lipid peroxidation, respectively, were investigated. The lactate dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde values decreased in the groups that underwent preconditioning periods with specific mitochondrial KATP channels opener diazoxide (100 microM), nonspecific mitochondrial KATP channels opener pinacidil (50 microM), S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP, 300 microM), or beta-phenyl-1,N2-etheno-8-bromoguanosine-3',5'-cyclicmonophosphorothioate, Sp-isomer (10 microM) before the A/R period. Preconditioning with SNAP significantly reduced the DNA damage. The effect was blocked by glibenclamide (50 microM), 5-hydroxydecanoate (100 microM), NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (200 microM), and beta-phenyl-1,N2-etheno-8-bromoguanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, Rp-isomer (1 microM). The results suggest iNOS, rather than eNOS, as the major contributing NO synthase during APC treatment. Moreover, the PKG shows priority over NO as the upstream regulator of NO-cGMP-PKG signal-induced KATP channel opening that leads to cardioprotection during APC treatment.

Animals↗

T wave alternans in an in vitro canine tissue model of Brugada syndrome.

Macroscopic T wave alternans (TWA) associated with increased occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias has been reported in patients with Brugada syndrome. However, the mechanisms in this syndrome are still unclear. We evaluated the hypothesis that TWA in Brugada syndrome was caused by the dynamic instability and heterogeneity of action potentials (APs) in the right ventricle. Using an optical mapping system, we mapped APs on the epicardium or transmural surfaces of 28 isolated and arterially perfused canine right ventricular preparations having drug-induced Brugada syndrome (in micromol/l: 2.5-15 pinacidil, 5.0 terfenadine, and 5.0-13 pilsicainide). Bradycardia at cycle length (CL) of 2,632 +/- 496 ms (n = 19) induced alternating deep and shallow T waves in the transmural electrocardiogram. Compared with the shallow T waves, deep T waves were associated with epicardial APs having longer durations and larger domes. Adjacent regions having APs with alternating domes, with constant domes, and without domes coexisted simultaneously in the epicardium and caused TWA. In contrast to the alternating epicardial APs, midmyocardial and endocardial APs did not change during TWA. Alternans could be terminated by rapid (CL: 529 +/- 168 ms, n = 7) or very slow (CL: 3,000 ms, n = 7) pacing. The heterogeneic APs during TWA augmented the dispersion of repolarization both within the epicardium and from the epicardium to the endocardium and caused phase 2 reentry. In this drug-induced model of Brugada syndrome, heterogeneic AP contours and dynamic alternans in the dome of right ventricular epicardial, but not midmyocardial or endocardial, APs caused TWA and heightened arrhythmogenicity in part by increasing the dispersion of repolarization.

Action Potentials↗

Spontaneous vasomotion in hamster cheek pouch arterioles in varying experimental conditions.

The spontaneous rhythmic motor activity (vasomotion) of arterioles was studied in vivo in the hamster cheek pouch by means of intravital microscopy. In control conditions, arteriolar vasomotion was regularly present in healthy preparations, independent of anesthesia (pentobarbital sodium or alpha-chloralose), composition of the superfusate [tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-buffered or N-2-hydroxy-ethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid-supported HCO3(-)-buffered saline solutions) or a combined nerve, alpha- and beta- receptor blockade. In arterioles with internal diameters between 13 and 52 microns, the vasomotion frequency (3-15 cycles/min) and amplitude (2-10 microns) were not significantly correlated to vessel size. The frequency and amplitude of the spontaneous arteriolar vasomotion could be modified by changes in the physical and chemical environment of the preparation. Thus, addition of pinacidil, a K+ channel activator, to the superfusate dose dependently decreased and finally suppressed vasomotion, in combination with an increase of the vessel diameter. These effects could be counteracted if glibenclamide (10(-6) M), a K+ channel blocker, was added to the superfusing solution. In the absence of any major changes in vessel diameter, vasomotion was also abolished by increasing the PO2 (from approximately 15 to 30 mmHg), varying the pH (from 7.40 to 7.22 or 7.65), and lowering the temperature to 15 degrees C in the superfusion solution. The abolition of vasomotion observed because of increased PO2 and changes in pH could be reversed by addition of glibenclamide (10(-6) M) or tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA, 5 x 10(-3) M), another K+ channel blocker, to the superfusion solution; in the case of lowered temperature only glibenclamide was effective.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Endothelium-dependent and -independent responses to severe hypoxia in rat pulmonary artery.

The changes in pulmonary artery (PA) tone that develop during hypoxia are complex and appear to involve multiple vasoregulatory pathways. This study was designed to identify the phases of the response to severe hypoxia in isolated segments of rat PA and to evaluate the mechanisms involved. Exposure of preconstricted PA segments to severe hypoxia (i.e., PO2 < 3 Torr) resulted in transient relaxation followed by vigorous hypoxic vasoconstriction (HVC), which averaged 0.26 +/- 0.02 g (or 43.9 +/- 3.7% of the maximal force developed in response to phenylephrine). HVC was followed by sustained and nearly complete inhibition of existing tone. The first two phases of the response were endothelium dependent and could be blocked by nonspecific inhibitors of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) activity and by 500 microM N omega-nitro-L-arginine, a specific inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) formation. The transient early relaxation could also be inhibited by superoxide dismutase (50 U/ml). In contrast, the late relaxation phase was neither endothelium dependent nor could it be blocked by inhibitors of EDRF/NO activity. Rat PA segments were relaxed by pinacidil and lemakalim, both of which activate ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Preincubation with glibenclamide, a selective inhibitor of these channels, blocked this response and also reduced late hypoxic vasodilation by nearly 40% (P < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that the response of rat PA to hypoxia involves both endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent components. The initial relaxation results from enhanced EDRF/NO activity, which is likely due to diminished breakdown by superoxide radicals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcholine↗

Analysis of responses to bradykinin and influence of HOE 140 in the isolated perfused rat lung.

The inhibitory effects of HOE 140, a novel bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, on pulmonary vascular and airway responses to bradykinin (BK) were investigated under conditions of controlled pulmonary blood flow and ventilation and constant left atrial pressure in the isolated blood-perfused rat lung. Under baseline conditions, BK produced dose-related increases in pulmonary arterial perfusion pressure without changing airway pressure. However, when pulmonary arterial pressure was raised to a high steady level, increases in pulmonary arterial pressure in response to BK were enhanced and BK then produced dose-related increases in airway pressure. Responses to BK were reproducible with respect to time and were not different when the inspired fraction of O2 was 0.21 or 0.95 and HOE 140 was 0.8 nM/ml (50 micrograms/kg) and decreased both pulmonary vascular and airway responses to the peptide. HOE 140 had no significant effect on pulmonary vascular responses to angiotensin II, serotonin, nitric oxide, sodium nitroprusside, albuterol, or pinacidil. Additionally, in these experiments, HOE 140 had no effect on the pulmonary arterial pressor response to ventilatory hypoxia. These results suggest BK has significant vasoconstrictor and bronchoconstrictor effects that are mediated by B2 receptors and are dependent on the baseline level of tone in the airways and in the pulmonary vascular bed. The present results suggest that HOE 140 is a highly selective, BK B2 receptor antagonist in the pulmonary vascular bed of the rat. These data also suggest that HOE 140 may be a useful probe for studying the role of BK in the pulmonary vascular bed in physiological and pathophysiological conditions.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Arginine analogues inhibit responses mediated by ATP-sensitive K+ channels.

Because arginine analogues have been reported to block the vasodilator response to hypercapnia, we investigated the effect of nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) on the dilation of pial arterioles to arterial hypercapnia induced by inhalation of 3, 5, and 7% CO2 in anesthetized cats equipped with cranial windows. L-NNA at 250 microM, but not at lower concentrations, significantly reduced hypercapnia-induced dilation. This effect could be reversed by L-arginine. However, hypercapnic hyperemia is not the result of increased guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate via the usual NO-mediated activation of guanylate cyclase, because application of LY-83583, which blocks guanylate cyclase, did not alter the vessel response to CO2. L-NNA at 250 microM also abolished the pial arteriolar dilation in response to cromakalim, minoxidil, and pinacidil, three known openers of ATP-sensitive K+ channels, and this effect could be reversed by L-arginine. Application of glyburide, which blocks ATP-sensitive K+ channels, also reduced the response to CO2. Subsequent application of L-NNA in these experiments had no additional effect. Vasodilation induced by sodium nitroprusside and 3-morpholinosydnonimine, two known NO donors, was unaffected by glyburide. NG-monomethyl-L-arginine had effects similar to those of L-NNA in the cat and rat at concentrations as low as 20 microM. Our findings suggest that arginine analogues inhibit hypercapnic vasodilation by blocking ATP-sensitive K+ channels, independently of activation of guanylate cyclase via increased production of NO. Furthermore, the data suggest that ATP-sensitive K+ channels may have an arginine site that influences their function.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Endothelium-dependent regulation of cerebrovascular tone by extracellular and intracellular ATP.

ATP receptors and ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) are expressed in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) and endothelial cells (EC). In isolated penetrating vessels, ATP caused a dilatation when applied intraluminally but not extraluminally. The actions of ATP were blocked by the nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine (0.1 mM) but were only reduced by N-monomethyl-L-arginine (0.1 mM); responses to intraluminal ATP were also prevented by thapsigargin. The KATP opener (KCO) nicorandil (1 microM) caused an NO-independent vasodilatation when applied extraluminally and an NO-dependent response when applied intraluminally. Both responses were blocked by glibenclamide. EC-mediated responses to nicroandil were prevented by blockade of guanylate cyclase by LY-83583 (10 microM). The effects of nicorandil were mimicked by pinacidil (1-10 microM). Exposure of the endothelium to 500 microM cyanide and 0 mM glucose ("in vitro ischemia") caused a vasodilatation that was reduced by exposure to glibenclamide (5 microM). Blockade of NO synthase produced similar effects, suggesting that the ischemic dilation is mediated by KATP and NO. Our results suggest that both VSM and EC mediate the vascular responses induced by KCOs, whereas the dilatation induced by intraluminal ATP is mediated by the endothelium. The endothelium-dependent component of the in vitro ischemic vasodilatation is mediated by opening of endothelial KATP and subsequent release of NO.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Adenosine inhibition of neutrophil damage during reperfusion does not involve K(ATP)-channel activation.

This study tests the hypothesis that cardioprotection exerted by adenosine A2-receptor activation and neutrophil-related events involves stimulation of ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels on neutrophils during reperfusion. The adenosine A2 agonist CGS-21680 (CGS) inhibited superoxide radical generation from isolated rabbit polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in a dose-dependent manner from 17.7 +/- 2.1 to 7.4 +/- 1.3 nmol/5 x 10(6) PMNs (P < 0.05). Pinacidil, a K(ATP)-channel opener, partially inhibited superoxide radical production, which was completely reversed by glibenclamide (Glib). Incremental doses of Glib in combination with CGS (1 microM) did not alter CGS-induced inhibition of superoxide radical generation. CGS significantly reduced PMN adherence to the endothelial surface of aortic segments in a dose-dependent manner from 189 +/- 8 to 50 +/- 6 PMNs/mm2 (P < 0.05), which was also not altered by incremental doses of Glib. Infusion of CGS (0.025 mg/kg) before reperfusion reduced infarct size from 29 +/- 2% in the Vehicle group to 15 +/- 1% in rabbits undergoing 30 min of ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion (P < 0.05). Glib (0.3 mg/kg) did not change the infarct size (28 +/- 2%) vs. the Vehicle group and did not attenuate infarct size reduction by CGS (16 +/- 1%). Glib did not change blood glucose levels. Cardiac myeloperoxidase activity was decreased in the ischemic tissue of the CGS group (0.15 +/- 0.03 U/100 mg tissue) compared with the Vehicle group (0.37 +/- 0.05 U/100 mg tissue; P < 0.05). We conclude that adenosine A2 activation before reperfusion partially reduces infarct size by inhibiting neutrophil activity and that this effect does not involve K(ATP)-channel stimulation.

Adenosine↗

ATP-sensitive potassium channels may participate in the coupling of neuronal activity and cerebrovascular tone.

K(+) dilate and constrict cerebral vessels in a dose-dependent fashion. Modest elevations of abluminal K(+) cause vasodilatation, whereas larger extracellular K(+) concentration ([K(+)](out)) changes decrease cerebral blood flow. These dilations are believed to be mediated by opening of inward-rectifier potassium channels sensitive to Ba(2+). Because BaCl(2) also blocks ATP-sensitive K(+) channels (K(ATP)), we challenged K(+) dilations in penetrating, resistance-size (<60 mmu) rat neocortical vessels with the K(ATP) channel blocker glibenclamide (1 microM). Glibenclamide reduced K(+) responses from 138 +/- 8 to 110 +/- 0.8%. K(+) constrictions were not affected by glibenclamide. The Na(+)-K(+)-pump inhibitor ouabain (200 microM) did not significantly change resting vessel diameter but decreased K(+) dilations (from 153 +/- 9 to 99 +/- 2%). BaCl(2) blocked K(+) dilations with a half-maximal dissociation constant of 2.9 microM and reduced dilations to the specific K(ATP) agonist pinacidil with equal potency. We conclude that, in resistance vessels, K(+) dilations are mediated by K(ATP); we hypothesize that [K(+)](out) causes activation of Na(+)-K(+) pumps, depletion of intracellular ATP concentration, and subsequent opening of K(ATP). This latter hypothesis is supported by the blocking effect of ouabain.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Expression and function of potassium channels in the human placental vasculature.

In the placental vasculature, where oxygenation may be an important regulator of vascular reactivity, there is a paucity of data on the expression of potassium (K) channels, which are important mediators of vascular smooth muscle tone. We therefore addressed the expression and function of several K channel subtypes in human placentas. The expression of voltage-gated (Kv)2.1, KV9.3, large-conductance Ca2+-activated K channel (BKCa), inward-rectified K+ channel (KIR)6.1, and two-pore domain inwardly rectifying potassium channel-related acid-sensitive K channels (TASK)1 in chorionic plate arteries, veins, and placental homogenate was assessed by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Functional activity of K channels was assessed pharmacologically in small chorionic plate arteries and veins by wire myography using 4-aminopyridine, iberiotoxin, pinacidil, and anandamide. Experiments were performed at 20, 7, and 2% oxygen to assess the effect of oxygenation on the efficacy of K channel modulators. KV2.1, KV9.3, BKCa, KIR6.1, and TASK1 channels were all demonstrated to be expressed at the message level. KV2.1, BKCa, KIR6.1, and TASK1 were all demonstrated at the protein level. Pharmacological manipulation of voltage-gated and ATP-sensitive channels produced the most marked modifications in vascular tone, in both arteries and veins. We conclude that K channels play an important role in controlling placental vascular function.

4-Aminopyridine↗

Membrane proteins involved in potassium shifts during muscle activity and fatigue.

Muscle activity is associated with potassium displacements, which may cause fatigue. It was reported previously that the density of the large-conductance Ca2+-dependent K+ (BK(Ca)) channel is higher in the T tubule membrane than in the sarcolemmal membrane and that the opposite is the case for the ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channel. In the present experiments, we investigated the subcellular localizations of the strong inward rectifier 2.1 K+ (Kir2.1) channel and the Na+-K+-2Cl- (NKCC)1 cotransporter with Western blot analysis of different muscle fractions. Furthermore, muscle function was studied while trying to manipulate the opening probability or transport capacity of these proteins during electrical stimulation of isolated soleus muscles. All experiments were made with excised muscle from male Wistar rats. Kir2.1 channels were almost undetectable in the sarcolemmal membrane but present in the T tubule membrane, whereas NKCC1 cotransporters were present in the sarcolemmal membrane. For muscles incubated in a buffer containing pinacidil, NS1619, Ba2+, or bumetanide, there was a faster reduction in peak force (P < 0.05). Furthermore, bumetanide incubation reduced the peak force at the onset of electrical stimulation (P < 0.05). Thus the effects on muscle force indicate that these drugs can affect K+-transporting proteins and thereby influence K+ accumulation, especially in the T tubules, suggesting that K(ATP) and BK(Ca) channels are responsible for K+ release and decrease in force during repeated muscle contractions, whereas Kir2.1 and NKCC1 may have a role in K+ reuptake.

Animals↗

Renal microvascular actions of calcitonin gene-related peptide.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a potent vasodilator that is suggested to act via ATP-sensitive K channels (KATP). In the present study, we examined the actions of CGRP on pressure- and angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction, using the in vitro perfused hydronephrotic rat kidney. Elevated pressure (from 80 to 180 mmHg) and 0.1 nM angiotensin II elicited similar decreases in afferent diameter in this model. CGRP inhibited myogenic reactivity in a concentration-dependent manner, completely preventing pressure-induced constriction at 10 nM (95 +/- 10% inhibition). These effects were partially attenuated by 10 microM glibenclamide (62 +/- 16% inhibition, P = 0.025), indicating both KATP-dependent and -independent actions of CGRP. In contrast, 10 nM CGRP inhibited angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction by only 54 +/- 11%, and this action was not affected by glibenclamide (41 +/- 11%, P = 0.31). CGRP also inhibited the efferent arteriolar response to angiotensin II in the absence and presence of glibenclamide. Pinacidil (1.0 microM), a KATP opener also preferentially inhibited pressure- vs. angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction (97 +/- 5 and 59 +/- 13% inhibition, respectively; P = 0.034). We conclude that the renal vasodilatory mechanisms of CGRP are pleiotropic and involve both KATP-dependent and -independent pathways. The effectiveness of CGRP in opposing renal vasoconstriction and the role of KATP in this action appear to depend on the nature the underlying vasoconstriction. We suggest that this phenomenon reflects an inhibition of KATP activation by angiotensin II.

Angiotensin II↗