Potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) relaxes the isolated rat thoracic aorta through endothelium-dependent and -independent mechanisms

AIM OF THE STUDY

The rhizome of the Cimicifuga racemosa (commonly known as black cohosh) has been used in treatment of climacteric complaints for decades in North America and Europe. A number of studies investigated the estrogenic potential of black cohosh, but its effectiveness is still controversial. Recently, it was reported that the extract of black cohosh acted as an agonist at the serotonin (5-HT) receptor and 5-HT derivative was isolated out of the black cohosh extract. Because it is well known that the 5-HT elicited the various cardiovascular effects including vasorelaxation, we investigated the vasorelaxant effects of the extract of black cohosh and its possible mechanisms of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The extract of black cohosh (BcEx) was examined for its vasorelaxant effects in isolated rat aorta. The aortic rings were equilibrated under resting tension and induced reproducible contraction in organ bath. The control contraction was produced by 300 nM NE, and then BcEx were added. In experiments where specific inhibitors were used, they were added 20 min before NE contraction.

RESULTS

BcEx elicited two phases of relaxation in rat aorta pre-contracted with norepinephrine. The first, a rapid relaxation, which occurred within seconds of BcEx administration, was eliminated by pretreatment with N(G)-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA) or methylene blue. The endogenous NO synthase substrate l-Arg markedly reversed the action of l-NNA, indicating that BcEx elicited the vasorelaxant effect via the NO/cGMP pathway. The second, slowly developing relaxation was not affected by the endothelium denudation. BcEx-induced endothelium-independent vasorelaxation appears to involve the inhibition of calcium influx mediated by the opening of inward rectifier potassium channels.

CONCLUSIONS

BcEx elicits the vasorelaxant effect via endothelium-dependent and -independent mechanisms and may contribute to a better understanding of a potential link between the use of black cohosh and its beneficial effects on vascular health.

Vasomotion - what is currently thought?

This minireview discusses vasomotion, which is the oscillation in tone of blood vessels leading to flowmotion. We will briefly discuss the prevalence of vasomotion and its potential physiological and pathophysiological relevance. We will also discuss the models that have been suggested to explain how a coordinated oscillatory activity of the smooth muscle tone can occur and emphasize the role of the endothelium, the handling of intracellular Ca(2+) and the role of smooth muscle cell ion conductances. It is concluded that vasomotion is likely to enhance tissue dialysis, although this concept still requires more experimental verification, and that an understanding at the molecular level for the pathways leading to vasomotion is beginning to emerge.

Expression of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in human pregnant myometrium

BACKGROUND

Potassium channels play critical roles in the regulation of cell membrane potential, which is central to the excitability of myometrium. The ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel is one of the most abundant potassium channels in myometrium. The objectives of this study were to investigate the protein expression of KATP channel in human myometrium and determine the levels of KATP channel in lower and upper segmental myometrium before and after onset of labour.

METHODS

Both lower segmental (LS) and upper segmental (US) myometrial biopsies were collected at cesarean section from pregnant women not-in-labour (TNL) or in-labour (TL) at term. Protein expression level and cellular localization of four KATP channel subunits in US and LS myometrium were determined by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The contractile activity of myometrial strip was measured under isometric conditions.

RESULTS

Four KATP channel subunits, namely Kir6.1, Kir6.2, SUR1 and SUR2B were identified in pregnant myometrium. While found in vascular myocytes, these subunits appear to be preferentially expressed in myometrial myocytes. Diazoxide, a KATP channel opener, inhibited the spontaneous contractility of pregnant myometrium, suggesting that the KATP channels are functional in human pregnant myometrium. Diazoxide was less potent in TL strips than that in TNL strips. Interestingly, expression of SUR1 was greater in TL than TNL tissues, although no differences were found for SUR2B in these two tissues. For both lower and upper segmental myometrium, Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 were less in TL compared with TNL tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional KATP channels are expressed in human pregnant myometrium. Down-regulation of Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 expression in myometrium may contribute to the enhanced uterine contractility associated with the onset of labour.

Endothelium-independent vasorelaxation by Ligusticum wallichii in isolated rat aorta: comparison of a butanolic fraction and tetramethylpyrazine, the main active component of Ligusticum wallichii

Ligusticum wallichii is an herb widely used to treat vascular disorders in Asian countries, and tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) has been identified as one of its vasorelaxant active components. This study was performed to examine the endothelium-independent relaxation produced by the butanol-soluble fraction of L. wallichii extract (LwBt) and its possible mechanisms of action in isolated rat aortic rings. The effects were compared with those of TMP. LwBt produced vasorelaxation that increased gradually after 2-3 min of LwBt administration and reached a maximum within 30 min. LwBt-induced relaxation was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with 4-aminopyridine and apamin. Additionally, LwBt attenuated CaCl(2)-induced vasoconstriction in high-potassium depolarized medium. Thus, LwBt-induced vasorelaxation apparently involved inhibition of calcium influx, mediated by the opening of voltage-dependent and/or Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels. On the other hand, the effect of TMP was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with glibenclamide, and 4-aminopyridine had no effect. In conclusion, LwBt-induced endothelium-independent vasorelaxation was mediated by the opening of voltage-dependent potassium channels, while TMP-induced relaxation was mediated by the opening of ATP-dependent potassium channels. These effects of LwBt may be due to a substance other than TMP.

Synergistic vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effects of Ligusticum wallichii and Angelica gigas

AIM OF THE STUDY

The synergistic vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effects of Ligusticum wallichii and Angelica gigas were examined in isolated rat aorta rings and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethanol extract of Ligusticum wallichii (LwEx) or Angelica gigas (AgEx) or their combinations at ratios Ligusticum wallichii:Angelica gigas = 1:1 (MxEx11), 1:3 (MxEx13), and 3:1 (and MxEx31), and their successive water soluble (LwDw, AgDw, MxDw11, MxDw13 and MxDw31) or n-butanol soluble fractions (LwBt, AgBt, MxBt11, MxBt13, and MxBt31) were examined for their vasorelaxant effects. In an antihypertensive study, LwEx, AgEx, or MxEx11 (100 mg/kg) was orally administered to SHRs, and the systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure were measured using the tail-cuff method before and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 24 h after oral administration.

RESULTS

Each of the ethanol extracts caused long-term relaxation in endothelium-intact or endothelium-denuded rat aorta preconstricted with norepinephrine (NE, 300 nM). All of the water phases of the ethanol extracts elicited an endothelium-dependent acute relaxation, and the water phase of MxDw11 (EC50 values: 1.08 mg/mL, P < 0.05) had the highest activity. MxDw11-induced acute relaxation was abolished by pretreatment with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (10 microM), methylene blue (1.0 microM), or atropine (0.1 microM), indicating that the response to MxDw involves the enhancement of the nitric oxide-cGMP system. On the other hand, all of the butanol phases showed an endothelium-independent long-term relaxation, and MxBt11 (85 +/- 7% relaxation of NE-preconstricted active tone at 20 min after the addition, P < 0.05) displayed the highest activity. MxBt11-induced gradual relaxation was significantly attenuated by an inward rectifier potassium-channel inhibitor, but not by an ATP-sensitive or a large conductance Ca2+-activated potassium-channel blocker. Calcium concentration-dependent contraction curves in high-potassium, depolarizing medium were shifted significantly to the right and downward after incubation with MxBt11 (0.03, 0.1, and 0.3 mg/mL), implying that MxBt11 is also involved in the inhibition of extracellular calcium influx to vascular smooth muscle. MxEx11 (100 mg/kg) significantly reduced systolic blood pressure of SHRs at 3, 5, and 7 h after oral administration, but this effect was not induced by Ligusticum wallichii or Angelica gigas alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of Ligusticum wallichii and Angelica gigas elicits a synergistic effect on vasorelaxation in isolated rat aortas and antihypertension in SHRs. The ratio of Ligusticum wallichii: Angelica gigas = 1:1 was the most effective of all combinations tested.

Magnesium lithospermate B dilates mesenteric arteries by activating BKCa currents and contracts arteries by inhibiting K(V) currents

AIM

To examine the involvement of K(+) channels and endothelium in the vascular effects of magnesium lithospermate B (MLB), a hydrophilic active component of Salviae miltiorrhiza Radix.

METHODS

Isolated rat mesenteric artery rings were employed to investigate the effects of MLB on KCl- or norepinephrine-induced contractions. Conventional whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to study the effects of MLB on K(+) currents in single isolated mesenteric artery myocytes.

RESULTS

MLB produced a concentration-dependent relaxation in mesenteric artery rings precontracted by norepinephrine (1 micromol/L) with an EC(50) of 111.3 micromol/L. MLB-induced relaxation was reduced in denuded artery rings with an EC(50) of 224.4 micromol/L. MLB caused contractions in KCl-precontracted artery rings in the presence of N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) with a maximal value of 130.3%. The vasodilatory effect of MLB was inhibited by tetraethylammonium (TEA) in both intact and denuded artery rings. In single smooth muscle cells, MLB activated BK(Ca) currents (EC(50) 156.3 micromol/L) but inhibited K(V) currents (IC(50) 26.1 micromol/L) in a voltage- and concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

MLB dilated arteries by activating BK(Ca) channels in smooth muscle cells and increasing NO release from endothelium, but it also contracted arteries precontracted with KCl in the presence of L-NAME.

Inhibition of intestinal motility by the putative BK(Ca) channel opener LDD175

LDD175 (4-chloro-7-trifluoromethyl-10H-benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-b]indole-1-carboxylic acid) is a benzofuroindole compound characterized previously as a potent opener of the large conductance calcium activated (BK(Ca)) channels. Activators of the BK(Ca) channels are potential therapies for smooth muscle hyperactivity disorders. The present study investigates the influence of LDD175 on the mechanical activity of the ileum smooth muscle. LDD175 inhibited spontaneous contractions of the ileum in a concentration-dependent manner (pEC(50)=5.9 +/- 0.1) (E (max)=96 +/- 1.0% at 100 muM, n=3). It also remarkably inhibited contractions due to acetylcholine (ACh) (pEC(50)=5.3 +/- 0.1)(E (max)=97.7 +/- 2.3%, n=6) and electrical field stimulation (EFS) (pEC(50)=5.5 +/- 0.1) (E (max)=83.3 +/- 6.0%, n=6). In strips precontracted by 20 mM KCl, LDD175 significantly reduced the contractions yielding a pEC(50) of 6.1 +/- 0.1 and E (max) of 96.6 +/- 0.9%, (n=6). In 60 mM KCl, a concentration-dependent inhibition was observed with respective pEC(50) and E (max) values of 4.1 +/- 0.1 and 50.8 +/- 5.0% (n=3). BK(Ca) channel blockers iberiotoxin (IbTX) and tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA, 1 mM) attenuated the relaxative effect of LDD175 but not barium chloride (BaCl(2)), and glibenclamide (K(IR) and K(ATP) channel blockers, respectively). These data demonstrate the antispasmodic activity of LDD175 attributable to the potentiation of the BK(Ca) channels.

Expression of the calcium-activated potassium channel in upper and lower segment human myometrium during pregnancy and parturition

BACKGROUND

Large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (BKCa) plays an important role in the control of uterine contractility during pregnancy. The change from uterine quiescence to enhanced contractile activity may be associated with the spatial and temporal expression of BKCa within myometrium. The objectives of this study were to examine the expression of BKCa alpha- and beta-subunit in upper segment (US) and lower segment (LS) regions of uterus, and to investigate for the possibly differential expression of these proteins in US and LS myometrium obtained from three functional states: (1) non-pregnant (NP); (2) term pregnant not in labour (TNL) and (3) term pregnant in labour (TL).

METHODS

Myometrial biopsies were collected from non-pregnant women at hysterectomy and pregnant women at either elective caesarean section or emergency caesarean section. Protein expression level and cellular localization of BKCa alpha- and beta-subunit in US and LS myometrium were determined by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

RESULTS

BKCa alpha- and beta-subunit were predominantly localized to myometrial smooth muscle in both US and LS myometrium obtained from non-pregnant and pregnant patients. The level of BKCa alpha-subunit in US but not in LS was significantly higher in NP myometrium than those measured in myometrium obtained during pregnancy. Lower expression of BKCa alpha-subunit in both US and LS was found in TL than in TNL biopsies. Expression of beta-subunit in both US and LS myometrium was significantly reduced in TL group compared with those measured in TNL group. There was no significant difference in BKCa beta-subunit expression in either US or LS between NP and TNL group.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that expression of BKCa alpha- and beta-subunit in pregnant myometrium is reduced during labour, which is consistent with the myometrial activity at the onset of parturition.

Regulation of Coronary Blood Flow During Exercise

Exercise is the most important physiological stimulus for increased myocardial oxygen demand. The requirement of exercising muscle for increased blood flow necessitates an increase in cardiac output that results in increases in the three main determinants of myocardial oxygen demand: heart rate, myocardial contractility, and ventricular work. The approximately sixfold increase in oxygen demands of the left ventricle during heavy exercise is met principally by augmenting coronary blood flow (∼5-fold), as hemoglobin concentration and oxygen extraction (which is already 70–80% at rest) increase only modestly in most species. In contrast, in the right ventricle, oxygen extraction is lower at rest and increases substantially during exercise, similar to skeletal muscle, suggesting fundamental differences in blood flow regulation between these two cardiac chambers. The increase in heart rate also increases the relative time spent in systole, thereby increasing the net extravascular compressive forces acting on the microvasculature within the wall of the left ventricle, in particular in its subendocardial layers. Hence, appropriate adjustment of coronary vascular resistance is critical for the cardiac response to exercise. Coronary resistance vessel tone results from the culmination of myriad vasodilator and vasoconstrictors influences, including neurohormones and endothelial and myocardial factors. Unraveling of the integrative mechanisms controlling coronary vasodilation in response to exercise has been difficult, in part due to the redundancies in coronary vasomotor control and differences between animal species. Exercise training is associated with adaptations in the coronary microvasculature including increased arteriolar densities and/or diameters, which provide a morphometric basis for the observed increase in peak coronary blood flow rates in exercise-trained animals. In larger animals trained by treadmill exercise, the formation of new capillaries maintains capillary density at a level commensurate with the degree of exercise-induced physiological myocardial hypertrophy. Nevertheless, training alters the distribution of coronary vascular resistance so that more capillaries are recruited, resulting in an increase in the permeability-surface area product without a change in capillary numerical density. Maintenance of α- and ß-adrenergic tone in the presence of lower circulating catecholamine levels appears to be due to increased receptor responsiveness to adrenergic stimulation. Exercise training also alters local control of coronary resistance vessels. Thus arterioles exhibit increased myogenic tone, likely due to a calcium-dependent protein kinase C signaling-mediated alteration in voltage-gated calcium channel activity in response to stretch. Conversely, training augments endothelium-dependent vasodilation throughout the coronary microcirculation. This enhanced responsiveness appears to result principally from an increased expression of nitric oxide (NO) synthase. Finally, physical conditioning decreases extravascular compressive forces at rest and at comparable levels of exercise, mainly because of a decrease in heart rate. Impedance to coronary inflow due to an epicardial coronary artery stenosis results in marked redistribution of myocardial blood flow during exercise away from the subendocardium towards the subepicardium. However, in contrast to the traditional view that myocardial ischemia causes maximal microvascular dilation, more recent studies have shown that the coronary microvessels retain some degree of vasodilator reserve during exercise-induced ischemia and remain responsive to vasoconstrictor stimuli. These observations have required reassessment of the principal sites of resistance to blood flow in the microcirculation. A significant fraction of resistance is located in small arteries that are outside the metabolic control of the myocardium but are sensitive to shear and nitrovasodilators. The coronary collateral system embodies a dynamic network of interarterial vessels that can undergo both long- and short-term adjustments that can modulate blood flow to the dependent myocardium. Long-term adjustments including recruitment and growth of collateral vessels in response to arterial occlusion are time dependent and determine the maximum blood flow rates available to the collateral-dependent vascular bed during exercise. Rapid short-term adjustments result from active vasomotor activity of the collateral vessels. Mature coronary collateral vessels are responsive to vasodilators such as nitroglycerin and atrial natriuretic peptide, and to vasoconstrictors such as vasopressin, angiotensin II, and the platelet products serotonin and thromboxane A2. During exercise, ß-adrenergic activity and endothelium-derived NO and prostanoids exert vasodilator influences on coronary collateral vessels. Importantly, alterations in collateral vasomotor tone, e.g., by exogenous vasopressin, inhibition of endogenous NO or prostanoid production, or increasing local adenosine production can modify collateral conductance, thereby influencing the blood supply to the dependent myocardium. In addition, vasomotor activity in the resistance vessels of the collateral perfused vascular bed can influence the volume and distribution of blood flow within the collateral zone. Finally, there is evidence that vasomotor control of resistance vessels in the normally perfused regions of collateralized hearts is altered, indicating that the vascular adaptations in hearts with a flow-limiting coronary obstruction occur at a global as well as a regional level. Exercise training does not stimulate growth of coronary collateral vessels in the normal heart. However, if exercise produces ischemia, which would be absent or minimal under resting conditions, there is evidence that collateral growth can be enhanced. In addition to ischemia, the pressure gradient between vascular beds, which is a determinant of the flow rate and therefore the shear stress on the collateral vessel endothelium, may also be important in stimulating growth of collateral vessels.

Integrative control of coronary resistance vessel tone by endothelin and angiotensin II is altered in swine with a recent myocardial infarction

Several studies have indicated an interaction between the renin-angiotensin (ANG II) system and endothelin (ET) in the regulation of vascular tone. Previously, we have shown that both ET and ANG II exert a vasoconstrictor influence on the coronary resistance vessels of awake normal swine. Here, we investigated whether the interaction between ANG II and ET exists in the control of coronary resistance vessel tone at rest and during exercise using single and combined blockade of angiotensin type 1 (AT1) and ETA/ETB receptors. Since both circulating ANG II and ET levels are increased after myocardial infarction (MI), we investigated if the interaction between these systems is altered after MI. In awake healthy swine, coronary vasodilation in response to ETA/ETB receptor blockade in the presence of AT1 blockade was similar to vasodilation produced by ETA/ETB blockade under control conditions. In awake swine with a 2- to 3-wk-old MI, coronary vasodilator responses to individual AT1 and ETA/ETB receptor blockade were virtually abolished, despite similar coronary arteriolar AT1 and ETA receptor expression compared with normal swine. Unexpectedly, in the presence of AT1 blockade (which had no effect on circulating ET levels), ETA/ETB receptor blockade elicited a coronary vasodilator response. These findings suggest that in normal healthy swine the two vasoconstrictor systems contribute to coronary resistance vessel control in a linear additive manner, i.e., with negligible cross-talk. In contrast, in the remodeled myocardium, cross-talk between ANG II and ET emerges, resulting in nonlinear redundant control of coronary resistance vessel tone.

Review article: steroid hormones and uterine vascular adaptation to pregnancy

Pregnancy is a physiological state that involves a significant decrease in uterine vascular tone and an increase in uterine blood flow, which is mediated in part by steroid hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. Previous studies have demonstrated the involvement of these hormones in the regulation of uterine artery contractility through signaling pathways specific to the endothelium and the vascular smooth muscle. Alterations in endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and activity, nitric oxide production, and expression of enzymes involved in PGI(2) production contribute to the uterine artery endothelium-specific responses. Steroid hormones also have an effect on calcium-activated potassium channel activity, PKC signaling pathway and myogenic tone, and alterations in pharmacomechanical coupling in the uterine artery smooth muscle. This review addresses current understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which steroid hormones including estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol modulate uterine artery contractility to alter uterine blood flow during pregnancy with an emphasis on the pregnant ewe model.

Effect of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel inhibitors on coronary metabolic vasodilation

The ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel is a distinct type of potassium ion channel that is found in the vascular smooth muscle cells of a variety of mammalian species, including humans. The activity of K(ATP) channels is determined by many factors including cellular ATP and ADP levels, thus providing a link between cellular metabolism and vascular tone through its effects on membrane potential. Experimental studies using inhibitors of K(ATP) channels, such as the sulfonuylurea class of drugs, indicate that these channels modulate coronary vascular tone including the hyperaemia induced by increased myocardial metabolism. This review examines the evidence linking K(ATP) channels to the regulation of coronary vascular tone and the potential clinical implications of pharmacologic therapies that act on K(ATP) channels.

Investigation of relaxant effects of propofol on sheep sphincter of Oddi

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Intravenous anesthetics are often used for conscious sedation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincter of Oddi (SO) manometry. This study was designed to investigate the effects of propofol on sheep SO.

METHODS

SO rings were mounted in a tissue bath and tested for changes in isometric tension in response to propofol (10(-8)-10(-4)M) in the presence or absence of L-NAME (3 x 10(-5)M), a non-specific inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase; indomethacin (10(-5)M), an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase; glibenclamide (10(-5)M), an inhibitor of ATP-sensitive potassium channels; tetraethylammonium (3 x 10(-4)M), inhibitors of calcium-activated potassium channels; 4-aminopyridine (10(-3)M), a voltage-dependent potassium channel blocker. Furthermore, we investigated the Ca(2+) antagonist feature of propofol in precontracted SO rings by CaCl(2).

RESULTS

Carbachol (10(-9)-10(-5)M) induced concentration-dependent contraction responses in the SO rings. Propofol (10(-8)-10(-4)M) produced concentration-dependent relaxation on isolated SO rings precontracted by carbachol (10(-6)M). Preincubation of SO rings by L-NAME (3 x 10(-5)M), indomethacin (10(-5)M), glibenclamide (10(-5)M), and 4-aminopyridine (10(-3)M) did not produce a significant alteration on propofol-induced relaxation responses (p > 0.05), while preincubation by tetraethylammonium (3 x 10(-4)M) significantly decreased the propofol-induced relaxation responses (p < 0.05). Propofol (10(-8)-10(-4)M) induced concentration-dependently relaxations in precontracted isolated SO rings by CaCl(2).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that propofol induced concentration-dependent relaxations in precontracted isolated SO rings. These relaxations are independent from NO, cyclooxygenase metabolites, and opened ATP-sensitive and voltage-dependent potassium channels. Opened Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+) channels and inhibited L-type Ca(2+) channels existing in smooth muscle by propofol can contribute to these relaxations. Propofol can be beneficial as alternative drugs for obtaining selective relaxation during SO manometry after controlled clinical studies.

Exercise hyperaemia in the heart: the search for the dilator mechanism

Coronary blood flow is tightly coupled to myocardial oxygen consumption to maintain a consistently high level of myocardial oxygen extraction over a wide range of physical activity. This tight coupling has been proposed to depend on periarteriolar oxygen tension, signals released from cardiomyocytes (adenosine acting on K(ATP) channels) and the endothelium (prostanoids(,) nitric oxide, endothelin) as well as neurohumoral influences (catecholamines, endothelin), but the contribution of each of these regulatory pathways, and their interactions, to exercise hyperaemia in the human heart are still incompletely understood. Thus, in the human heart, nitric oxide, prostanoids, adenosine and K(ATP) channels each contribute to resting tone, but evidence for a critical contribution to exercise hyperaemia is lacking. In dogs K(ATP) channel activation together with adenosine and nitric oxide contribute to exercise hyperaemia in a non-linear redundant fashion. In contrast, in swine nitric oxide, adenosine and K(ATP) channels contribute to resting coronary resistance vessel tone control in a linear additive manner, but are not mandatory for exercise hyperaemia in the heart. Rather, exercise hyperaemia in swine appears to involve K(Ca) channel opening that is mediated, at least in part, by exercise-induced beta-adrenergic activation, possibly in conjunction with exercise-induced blunting of an endothelin-mediated vasoconstrictor influence. In view of these remarkable species differences in coronary vasomotor control during exercise, future studies are required to determine whether exercise hyperaemia in humans follows a canine or porcine control design.

Vasorelaxation induced by the new nitric oxide donor cis-[Ru(Cl)(bpy)(2)(NO)](PF(6)) is due to activation of K(Ca) by a cGMP-dependent pathway

We investigated the effects of selective K(+) channel blockers and guanylyl cyclase inhibitor on the rat aorta relaxation induced by the new NO donor cis-[Ru(Cl)(bpy)(2)(NO)](PF(6)) (RUNOCL), following endothelium removal. NO release from RUNOCL was obtained by photo-induction using a visible light system lambda > 380 nm. RUNOCL induced relaxation of phenylephrine contracted aortic rings under light with the maximum effect (ME) of 101.2+/-3.7% and pD(2): 6.62+/-0.16 (n=7), but not in the absence of light. Relaxation stimulated with RUNOCL was also studied on 60 mM of KCl-contracted arteries or after incubation with the non-selective K(+) channel blocker (1 mM TEA) or the selective K(+) channel blockers (3 microM glibenclamide (K(ATP)), 1 mM 4-aminopyridine (K(V), 4-AP), 1 microM apamin (SK(Ca)-APA) or 0.1 microM iberiotoxin (BK(Ca) IBTX). Relaxation induced by RUNOCL was lower in KCl-contracted aortic rings with ME of 68.6+/-10.0% and pD(2): 3.92+/-0.60 (n=4). As compared to Phe-contracted arteries the potency of RUNOCL in inducing rat aorta relaxation was reduced by K(+) channel blockers as demonstrated by the pD(2) values from 6.62+/-0.16 (n=7) (control) to (TEA: 5.32+/-0.108, n=5; IBTX: 5.63+/-0.02 (n=5), APA: 5.73+/-0.13 (n=5)). But the ME was reduced only by IBTX (60.7+/-3.4%). 4-AP and glibenclamide had no effect on the relaxation induced by RUNOCL. The aortic tissue cGMP content increased with RUNOCL under light irradiation from 63.13+/-0.45 fmol/microg to 70.56+/-4.64 fmol/microg of protein (n=4) and the inhibition of guanylyl cyclase with ODQ reduced the ME: 30.1+/-1.6% and pD(2): 6.35+/-0.05 (n=4). Our results suggest that the NO released by photo-induction from RUNOCL induces rat aorta relaxation by activation of K(Ca) by a cGMP-dependent pathway.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating vascular tone. Part 2: regulatory mechanisms modulating Ca2+ mobilization and/or myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity in vascular smooth muscle cells

Understanding the physiological mechanisms regulating vascular tone would lead to better circulatory management during general anesthesia. This two-part review provides an overview of current knowledge about the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the contractile state of vascular smooth muscle cells (i.e., vascular tone). The first part reviews basic mechanisms controlling the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in vascular smooth muscle cells, and the Ca2+-dependent regulation of vascular tone. This second part reviews the regulatory mechanisms modulating Ca2+ mobilization and/or myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity in vascular smooth muscle cells-including Rho/Rho kinase, protein kinase C, arachidonic acid, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, caldesmon, calponin, mitogen-activated protein kinases, tyrosine kinases, cyclic nucleotides, Cl- channels, and K+ channels.

Investigation of the relaxant effects of propofol on ovalbumin-induced asthma in guinea pigs

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Because the incidence of asthma appears to be increasing, the importance of proper perioperative management of individuals with asthma will also continue to increase. Although its mechanism of smooth muscle relaxation is unknown, propofol has been associated with less bronchoconstriction during anaesthetic induction. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible mechanism of these effects and the effects of propofol on the isolated trachea preparations from control and ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs.

METHODS

Adult male guinea pigs, weighing 280-330 g, were randomly allocated to two experimental groups, each consisting of 10 animals. Ten guinea pigs were sensitized by intramuscular injections of 0.30 mL of a 5% (w/v) ovalbumin/saline solution into each thigh (0.6 mL total) on days 1 and 4, whereas the remaining 10 served as controls receiving a total of 0.6 mL distilled water on days 1 and 4 as placebo. The isolated trachea preparations were mounted in tissue baths with modified Krebs-Henseleit solution and aerated with 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide. We tested the effects of propofol (10(-7)-10(-3) M) on resting tension and after precontraction with carbachol and histamine on isolated trachea preparations from control and ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs. We also tested the effect of propofol on isolated trachea preparations precontracted with carbachol and histamine in the absence and presence of different inhibitors or antagonists. We investigated propofol responses in tracheal smooth muscle precontracted with CaCl2.

RESULTS

Propofol (10(-7)-10(-3) M) produced a concentration-dependent relaxation of isolated tracheal preparations precontracted by carbachol (10(-6) M) and histamine (10(-6) M) in both groups. Preincubation with N(w)-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (3x10(-5) M), indomethacin (10(-5) M) or propranolol (10(-4) M) did not produce a significant alteration on propofol-induced relaxation responses (P>0.05), while preincubation with tetraethylammonium (3x10(-4) M) significantly decreased the propofol-induced relaxation responses in both groups (P<0.05). Propofol (10(-7)-10(-3) M) induced concentration-dependently relaxations in isolated trachea rings precontracted with CaCl2 in both the control and ovalbumin-sensitized groups.

CONCLUSION

Propofol induced concentration-dependent relaxations in precontracted, isolated trachea smooth muscle of guinea pigs in both the control and ovalbumin-sensitized groups. These relaxations were independent of epithelial function and stimulation of beta adrenergic receptors. Opened Ca2+-sensitive K+ channels and inhibited L-type Ca2+ channels can contribute to these relaxations.

Endogenous nitric oxide attenuates beta-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation in rat aorta

1. Divergent evidence suggests that the intracellular signalling pathways for beta-adrenoceptor-mediated vascular relaxation involves either cAMP/protein kinase (PK) A or endothelial nitric oxide (NO) release and subsequent activation of cGMP/PKG. The present study identifies the relative roles of NO and cAMP, as well as dependence on the endothelium for beta-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation of rat isolated aortas. 2. Cumulative concentration-response curves to isoprenaline (0.01-3 micromol/L) in phenylephrine (0.1 micromol/L)-preconstricted endothelium-intact and -denuded aortas were constructed. Isoprenaline-mediated relaxation was partially reduced by endothelium removal and the presence of the NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (0.1 mmol/L), but not by the cAMP antagonist (Rp)-cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphorothioate (Rp-cAMPS; 0.5 mmol/L). 3. In contrast, in endothelium-denuded aortas, the isoprenaline-mediated relaxation was inhibited by Rp-cAMPS and this inhibition was lost in the presence of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (1 nmol/L). This effect was not due to phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity because the non-selective PDE inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (1 micromol/L) failed to affect the isoprenaline vasorelaxant response. 4. The K(+) channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA; 1 mmol/L) attenuated isoprenaline-induced relaxation in endothelium-denuded aorta, but its effect was non-additive with Rp-cAMPS, suggesting that the K(+) channel component may involve cAMP. In endothelium-intact aortas, TEA but not Rp-cAMPS reduced isoprenaline relaxation, suggesting an additional non-cAMP component. 5. These findings suggest that beta-adrenoceptors induce vascular smooth muscle relaxation by acting through the NO-cGMP pathway and, when that is disrupted by endothelium removal or the presence of an NO synthase inhibitor, the cAMP pathway in smooth muscles is used. The lack of cAMP participation in endothelium-intact vessels may be because NO suppresses or overrides the cAMP effect.

Developmental changes in the expression of voltage-gated potassium channels in the ductus arteriosus of the fetal rat

Oxygen-sensitive, voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv) may contribute to the determination of the membrane potential in smooth muscle cells of the ductus arteriosus (DA), and thus to regulation of contractile tone in response to oxygen. Developmental changes in Kv during gestation may be related to closure of the DA after birth. This study investigated developmental changes in the expression of Kv in the DA and compared it with that of the pulmonary artery (PA) and the aorta (Ao). The DA, PA, and Ao were isolated from fetal rats at days 19 and 21 of gestation (term: 21.5 days). The expression of Kv1.2, Kv1.5, Kv2.1, and Kv3.1, putative oxygen-sensitive Kv channels that open in response to oxygen, was evaluated at both the mRNA and protein levels, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. In the Kv family studied, Kv1.5 mRNA was expressed most abundantly in the DA, PA, and Ao in both day-19 and day-21 fetuses. Although the expression levels of Kv1.2, Kv1.5, Kv2.1, and Kv3.1 did not change much with development in the PA and Ao, in the DA they decreased with development. The decrease in the expression of Kv channels may enhance DA closure after birth by eliminating the opening of Kv channels when oxygen increases.

Sirolimus causes relaxation of human vascular smooth muscle: a novel action of sirolimus mediated via ATP-sensitive potassium channels

Little is known about the vasomotor effects of sirolimus, and preliminary studies using animal models have provided conflicting results. The present study was designed to determine the effects of sirolimus on vasomotor tone in human blood vessels. Human radial artery segments were cut into rings, denuded of endothelium, and placed into organ chambers for isometric tension recording. Sirolimus (10(-10) to 10(-6) M) caused concentration-dependent relaxation of human arteries contracted with U46619 (9,11-dideoxy-11alpha,9alpha-epoxymethano-prostaglandin F(2alpha); 10(-8) M) [-log (M) EC(50) (pD(2)) = 7.28 +/- 0.1; E(max) = 57 +/- 6%] or phenylephrine (10(-6) M) (pD(2) = 7.16 +/- 0.4; E(max) = 45 +/- 9%). Sirolimus-induced relaxation was unaffected by treatment with indomethacin (10(-5) M) but was nearly abolished in tissues contracted by depolarization with elevated K(+) (60 mM). In U46619-contracted rings, the response to sirolimus was markedly inhibited in the presence of the specific ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel blocker, glyburide (10(-6) M), but was unaffected by treatment with blockers of large conductance, calcium-activated potassium channel (iberiotoxin, 10(-7) M), small conductance, calcium-activated potassium channel (apamin, 10(-6) M), or voltage-gated potassium channel (4-aminopyridine, 10(-3) M). The K(ATP) channel opener, aprikalim (10(-7) to 10(-5) M), caused concentration-dependent relaxations that were inhibited by glyburide (10(-6) M) and abolished in tissues contracted with elevated K(+) (60 mM), thus confirming that K(ATP) channel opening causes relaxation of these arteries. These data suggest that sirolimus, at concentrations attained in vivo, causes relaxation of human arteries, and this effect is mediated by opening of K(ATP) channels in vascular smooth muscle. Reduced vasomotor tone is a heretofore unrecognized action of sirolimus that could potentially contribute to its efficacy in drug-eluting stents.

Radix angelica elicits both nitric oxide-dependent and calcium influx-mediated relaxation in rat aorta

This study examined the vascular relaxation produced by Radix Angelica (AG; Dong Quai) and its possible mechanisms in isolated rat aortic rings precontracted with norepinephrine. The butanolic fraction (AgBt) of the crude extract of AG causes gradual endothelium-independent relaxation, which was unaffected by five different potassium channel inhibitors. AgBt attenuated the CaCl2-induced vasoconstriction in high-potassium depolarized medium; this required less than one-tenth the concentration needed to elicit vascular relaxation. An aqueous fraction (AgDw) of the crude extract induced transient acute relaxation, which was virtually abolished by endothelial ablation and pretreatment with L-NNA. L-Arginine fully reversed the action of L-NNA. Methylene blue and atropine significantly attenuated the relaxation, but indomethacin did not. Ferulic acid, the main active component in AG, relaxed both endothelium-intact and -denuded rings, while L-NNA, methylene blue, or atropine did not modify the relaxation. Ferulic acid also did not attenuate the CaCl2-induced contraction in high-potassium depolarized medium. In conclusion, Radix Angelica leads to both endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation of isolated rat aorta. Increased formation of NO might contribute to the endothelium-mediated relaxation, while inhibition of the calcium influx might be an important mechanism in direct smooth muscle relaxation. A substance other than ferulic acid might create these effects.

KCa+ channels contribute to exercise-induced coronary vasodilation in swine

Coronary blood flow is controlled via several vasoactive mediators that exert their effect on coronary resistance vessel tone through activation of K(+) channels in vascular smooth muscle. Because Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (K(Ca)(+)) channels are the predominant K(+) channels in the coronary vasculature, we hypothesized that K(Ca)(+) channel activation contributes to exercise-induced coronary vasodilation. In view of previous observations that ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)(+)) channels contribute, in particular, to resting coronary resistance vessel tone, we additionally investigated the integrated control of coronary tone by K(Ca)(+) and K(ATP)(+) channels. For this purpose, the effect of K(Ca)(+) blockade with tetraethylammonium (TEA, 20 mg/kg iv) on coronary vasomotor tone was assessed in the absence and presence of K(ATP)(+) channel blockade with glibenclamide (3 mg/kg iv) in chronically instrumented swine at rest and during treadmill exercise. During exercise, myocardial O(2) delivery increased commensurately with the increase in myocardial O(2) consumption, so that myocardial O(2) extraction and coronary venous Po(2) (Pcv(O(2))) were maintained constant. TEA (in a dose that had no effect on K(ATP)(+) channels) had a small effect on the myocardial O(2) balance at rest and blunted the exercise-induced increase in myocardial O(2) delivery, resulting in a progressive decrease of Pcv(O(2)) with increasing exercise intensity. Conversely, at rest glibenclamide caused a marked decrease in Pcv(O(2)) that waned at higher exercise levels. Combined K(Ca)(+) and K(ATP)(+) channel blockade resulted in coronary vasoconstriction at rest that was similar to that caused by glibenclamide alone and that was maintained during exercise, suggesting that K(Ca)(+) and K(ATP)(+) channels act in a linear additive fashion. In conclusion, K(Ca)(+) channel activation contributes to the metabolic coronary vasodilation that occurs during exercise. Furthermore, in swine K(Ca)(+) and K(ATP)(+) channels contribute to coronary resistance vessel control in a linear additive fashion.

Sodium azide dilates coronary arterioles via activation of inward rectifier K+ channels and Na+-K+-ATPase

Sodium azide (NaN(3)), a potent vasodilator, causes severe hypotension on accidental exposure. Although NaN(3) has been shown to increase coronary blood flow, the direct effect of NaN(3) on coronary resistance vessels and the mechanism of the NaN(3)-induced response remain to be established. To address these issues without confounding influences from systemic parameters, subepicardial coronary arterioles were isolated from porcine hearts for in vitro study. Arterioles developed basal tone at 60 cmH(2)O intraluminal pressure and dilated acutely, in a concentration-dependent manner, to NaN(3) (0.1 microM to 50 microM). The NaN(3) response was not altered by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester or endothelial removal. Neither inhibition of phosphoinositol 3-kinase and tyrosine kinases nor blockade of ATP-sensitive, Ca(2+)-activated, and voltage-dependent K(+) channels affected NaN(3)-induced dilation. However, the vasomotor action of NaN(3) was significantly attenuated in a similar manner by the inward rectifier K(+) (K(IR)) channel inhibitor Ba(2+), the Na(+)-K(+) ATPase inhibitor ouabain, or the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). Ba(2+), in combination with either ouabain or ODQ, nearly abolished the vasodilatory response. However, there was no additive inhibition by combining ouabain and ODQ. The NaN(3)-mediated vasodilation was also attenuated by morin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositolphosphate (PIP) kinase, which can regulate K(IR) channel activity. With the use of whole cell patch-clamp methods, NaN(3) acutely enhanced Ba(2+)-sensitive K(IR) current in isolated coronary arteriolar smooth muscle cells. Collectively, this study demonstrates that NaN(3), at clinically toxic concentrations, dilates coronary resistance vessels via activation of both K(IR) channels and guanylyl cyclase/Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in the vascular smooth muscle. The K(IR) channels appear to be modulated by PIP kinase.

Nitric oxide-cyclic GMP contributes to abnormal activation of Na+-K+-ATPase in the aorta from rats with endotoxic shock

We examined pharmacologically the influence of nitric oxide (NO), guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP), adenine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP), and protein kinase C-linked signaling pathways on relaxation to potassium in aortic segments isolated from rats treated for 6 h with bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide). Endotoxemia for 6 h was associated with a severe hypotension and vascular hyporeactivity to norepinephrine (NE), and an increase in plasma NO in vivo and aortic NO ex vivo. The NE-induced contraction was attenuated and the potassium-induced relaxation was accentuated in the aorta of rats with endotoxic shock. Ouabain inhibited the potassium-induced relaxation in aortae from normal and endotoxemic rats. 8-Bromo-cyclic GMP significantly enhanced the potassium-induced relaxation in control aortae, whereas 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) abolished this difference between normal and endotoxemic rats. In contrast, inhibition of potassium-induced relaxation was observed in aortae from normal and endotoxemic rats treated with 8-bromo-cyclic AMP or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Individually, inhibitors of protein kinase A or protein kinase C did not significantly alter relaxation to potassium; however, in combination, these inhibitors significantly potentiated relaxation in aortae from control rats. These results suggest that activity of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase is enhanced in the vascular bed of animals with endotoxic shock and that this elevation in activity is mediated by NO-cyclic GMP, but not by cyclic AMP-protein kinase A or protein kinase C.

Investigation of the mechanism of nicotine-induced relaxation on the sheep sphincter of Oddi

Possible mechanisms for nicotine-induced relaxation were investigated in the isolated sheep's sphincter of Oddi. Sheep's sphincter of Oddi rings were mounted in tissue bath with modified Krebs-Henseleit solution and aerated with 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide. Tension was measured with isometric force transducers, and muscle relaxation was expressed as percent decrease of precontraction induced by carbachol. Nicotine (1 x 10(-5) to 3 x 10(-3) mol/L) produced concentration-dependent relaxation on sphincter of Oddi precontracted by carbachol (10(-6) mol/L). Nicotine-induced relaxation was 72.8 +/- 4.2% of precontraction with carbachol (10(-6) mol/L) (mean pD2 value, 3.76 +/- 0.05 mol/L). Nicotine-induced relaxation was not affected by N(w)-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (3 x 10(-5) mol/L), methylene blue (10(-5) mol/L), indomethacin (10(-5) mol/L), hexamethonium (10(-5) mol/L), glibenclamide (10(-5) mol/L), 4-aminopyridine (10(-3) mol/L), tetraethylammonium (3 x 10(-4) mol/L), clotrimazole (10(-6) mol/L), 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid (NPPB) (10(-6) mol/L), and anthracene-9-carboxylate (9-AC) (10(-6) mol/L), but potentiated by bupivacain (10(-5) mol/L). A calcium-antagonizing effect of nicotine was not observed. The results suggest that nicotine-induced relaxation of the sheep's sphincter of Oddi is not mediated by the release of prostaglandins, nitric oxide (NO), or a related substance; by the activation of potassium channels or chloride channels; or by the stimulation of nicotinic cholinoceptors. Potentiation of the nicotine-induced relaxation by bupivacain indicates that blockade of sodium channels may play a role in this relaxation.

Estrogen regulates {beta}1-subunit expression in Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels in arteries from reproductive tissues

Daily estradiol-17beta (E(2)beta) increases basal uterine blood flow (UBF) and enhances acute E(2)beta-mediated increases in UBF in ovariectomized nonpregnant ewes. The acute E(2)beta-mediated rise in UBF involves vascular smooth muscle (VSM) large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK(Ca)). BK(Ca) consist of pore-forming alpha-subunits and regulatory beta(1)-subunits that modulate channel function and E(2)beta responsiveness. It is unclear whether E(2)beta also alters subunit expression and thus channel density and/or function, thereby contributing to the rise in basal UBF and enhanced UBF responses that follow daily E(2)beta. Therefore, we examined BK(Ca) subunit expression by using reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblot analysis of arterial VSM from reproductive and nonreproductive tissues and myometrium from ovariectomized nonpregnant ewes after daily E(2)beta (1 microg/kg iv) or vehicle without or with acute E(2)beta (1 microg/kg). Tissue distribution was determined by immunohistochemistry. Acute E(2)beta did not alter alpha- or beta(1)-subunit expression in any tissue (P > 0.1). Daily E(2)beta also did not affect alpha-subunit mRNA or protein in any tissue (P > 0.1) or mesenteric arterial VSM beta(1)-subunit. However, daily E(2)beta increased uterine and mammary arterial VSM beta(1)-subunit mRNA by 32% and 83% (P < 0.05), uterine VSM protein by 30%, and myometrial beta(1)-subunit mRNA and protein by 74% (P < or = 0.005). Immunostaining of uterine arteries, myometrium, and intramyometrial arteries paralleled immunoblot analyses for both subunits. Although BK(Ca) density is unaffected by daily and acute E(2)beta, daily E(2)beta increases beta(1)-subunit in proximal and distal uterine arterial VSM. Thus prolonged E(2)beta exposure may alter BK(Ca) function, estrogen responsiveness, and basal vascular tone and reactivity in reproductive arteries by modifying alpha:beta(1) stoichiometry.

Interaction of BKCa channel modulators with adrenergic agonists in the rat aorta is influenced by receptor reserve

Our main objective was to study the interaction of BKCa channel modulators with adrenergic agonists UK 14304 and noradrenaline (NA), acting on alpha1-adrenoceptors, in the rat aorta and how this is affected by receptor reserve. NA and UK 14304 evoked concentration-dependent contractions of the rat aorta. UK 14304 was a partial agonist relative to NA in this preparation. The BK(Ca) channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA, 1 mM) and opener NS 1619 (3 x 10(-5) M) modulated NA- and UK 14304-induced contractions, and were more effective on UK 14304-induced contractions. TEA (1 mM) increased the maximum response to NA and UK 14304 by about 13% and 300%, respectively, while NS 1619 (3 x 10(-5) M) reduced the maximum response to UK 14304 by about 81% compared to 31% for noradrenaline. The effect of TEA on the noradrenaline concentration-response curve was increased after treatment of the aorta with phenoxybenzamine (PBZ), an irreversible alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist, to reduce receptor reserve. We concluded that the interaction of BKCa channel modulators with alpha1-adrenergic agonists in the rat aorta was influenced by receptor reserve.

Analysis of Maxi-K alpha subunit splice variants in human myometrium

Background

Large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium (Maxi-K) channels are implicated in the modulation of human uterine contractions and myometrial Ca²⁺ homeostasis. However, the regulatory mechanism(s) governing the expression of Maxi-K channels with decreased calcium sensitivity at parturition are unclear. The objectives of this study were to investigate mRNA expression of the Maxi-K alpha subunit, and that of its splice variants, in human non-pregnant and pregnant myometrium, prior to and after labour onset, to determine whether altered expression of these splice variants is associated with decreased calcium sensitivity observed at labour onset.

Methods

Myometrial biopsies were obtained at hysterectomy (non-pregnant, NP), and at Caesarean section, at elective (pregnant not-in-labour, PNL) and intrapartum (pregnant in-labour, PL) procedures. RNA was extracted from all biopsies and quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to investigate for possible differential expression of the Maxi-K alpha subunit, and that of its splice variants, between these functionally-distinct myometrial tissue sets.

Results

RT-PCR analysis identified the presence of a 132 bp and an 87 bp spliced exon of the Maxi-K alpha subunit in all three myometrial tissue sets. Quantitative real-time PCR indicated a decrease in the expression of the Maxi-K alpha subunit with labour onset. While there was no change in the proportion of Maxi-K alpha subunits expressing the 87 bp spliced exon, the proportion of alpha subunits expressing the 132 bp spliced exon was significantly increased with labour onset, compared to both non-pregnant and pregnant not-in-labour tissues. An increased proportion of 132 bp exon-containing alpha subunit variants with labour onset is of interest, as channels expressing this spliced exon have decreased calcium and voltage sensitivities.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that decreased Maxi-K alpha subunit mRNA expression in human myometrium at labour onset, coupled to an increased proportion of Maxi-K channels expressing the 132 bp spliced exon, may be linked to decreased Maxi-K channel calcium and voltage sensitivity, thereby promoting enhanced uterine activity at the time of labour.

NO and KATP channels underlie endotoxin-induced smooth muscle hyperpolarization in rat mesenteric resistance arteries

1 Smooth muscle membrane potential and tension measurements were made in isolated mesenteric resistance arteries from rats exposed to bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS; 10 mg kg(-1), i.p.) for 3 h to mimic septic shock syndrome. 2 Over this period, rats developed an endotoxaemic response, assessed in vivo as a 41+/-4 mmHg drop in mean blood pressure, vascular hyporeactivity to noradrenaline (1 microg kg(-1), i.v.) and a significant increase in core body temperature. 3 In mesenteric small resistance arteries from these rats (o.d. 180 - 240 microm), phenylephrine (0.01-3 microm)-evoked contraction was not altered when compared with arteries from sham-operated animals, but the concentration-relaxation curve to acetylcholine (ACh; 0.01 - 3 microm) displayed a small, but significant, shift to the right. 4 The smooth muscle resting membrane potential (-70.3+/-1.6 mV) in arteries from LPS-treated rats was significantly greater than in control arteries (-55.4+/-1.2 mV), but in both cases the smooth muscle was depolarized to a similar potential by the application of N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 0.3 mm; -54.1+/-2.3 vs -52.4+/-2.5 mV) or glibenclamide (10 microm; -55.0+/-2.1 vs -50.4+/-2.0 mV). 5 ACh (1 microm) elicited a maximal hyperpolarization, which ranged from -14.7+/-3.2 mV (in arteries from LPS-treated rats) to -20.6+/-2.4 mV (in arteries from sham-operated rats), and was not altered by the presence of L-NAME. Levcromakalim (1 microm) increased the smooth muscle membrane potential by around -24 mV in arteries from both sets of experimental animals. 6 These results indicate that at the level of the resistance vasculature, endotoxaemia is associated with pronounced smooth muscle hyperpolarization reflecting the action of NO on KATP channels. These changes were not associated with vascular hyporeactivity or depressed endothelial cell function in vitro, suggesting that mesenteric resistance arteries may not contribute to equivalent changes in vivo.

ATP-induced vasodilation in human skeletal muscle

1. The purine nucleotide adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) exerts pronounced effects on the cardiovascular system. The mechanism of action of the vasodilator response to ATP in humans has not been elucidated yet. The proposed endothelium-derived relaxing factors (EDRFs) were studied in a series of experiments, using the perfused forearm technique. 2. Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (0.2, 0.6, 6 and 20 nmol dl(-1) forearm volume min(-1)) evoked a dose-dependent forearm vasodilator response, which could not be inhibited by separate infusion of the nonselective COX inhibitor indomethacin (5 microg dl(-1) min(-1), n=10), the blocker of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase ouabain (0.2 microg dl(-1) min(-1), n=8), the blocker of K(Ca) channels tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA, 0.1 microg dl(-1) min(-1), n=10), nor by the K(ATP)-channel blocker glibenclamide (2 microg dl(-1) min(-1), n=10). All blockers, except glibenclamide, caused a significant increase in baseline vascular tone. The obtained results might be due to compensatory actions of unblocked EDRFs. Combined infusion of TEA, indomethacin and l-NMMA (n=6) significantly increased the baseline forearm vascular resistance. The ATP-induced relative decreases in forearm vascular resistance were 48+/-5, 67+/-3, 88+/-2, and 92+/-2% in the absence and 23+/-7, 62+/-4, 89+/-2, and 93+/-1% in the presence of the combination of TEA, indomethacin and l-NMMA (P<0.05, repeated-measures ANOVA, n=6). A similar inhibition was obtained for sodium nitroprusside (SNP, P<0.05 repeated-measures ANOVA, n=6), indicating a nonspecific interaction due to the blocker-induced vasoconstriction. 3. ATP-induced vasodilation in the human forearm cannot be inhibited by separate infusion of indomethacin, ouabain, glibenclamide or TEA, or by a combined infusion of TEA, indomethacin, and l-NMMA. Endothelium-independent mechanisms and involvement of unblocked EDRFs, such as CO, might play a role, and call for further studies.

Attenuation by 4-aminopyridine of delayed vasorelaxation by troglitazone

Troglitazone and other thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are thought to relax arterial smooth muscle by directly inhibiting calcium channels in smooth muscle cell membranes. However, until recently such inhibition was only examined acutely, ie, within only seconds or minutes after administration of these agents to arterial smooth muscle preparations. Recently, a novel experiment was reported in which troglitazone caused a 2-phase relaxation of perfused resistance arteries, namely, an acute relaxation (within the first 20 minutes of treatment), which was blocked by a nonselective calcium channel blocker and a delayed relaxation (after 2 hours), which was not. We sought to determine if any of the 4 major potassium (K) channels in vascular smooth muscle play a role in the delayed relaxation. We incubated vascular contractile rings prepared from ventral tail arteries of rats with physiological buffer containing either 0 or 4 micromol/L troglitazone for 3 hours (4 micromol/L is typical of plasma levels from diabetic patients). Different K channel inhibitors (1 mmol/L 4-aminopyridine [4AP]; 1 mmol/L tetraethylammonium [TEA]; 5 micromol/L glyburide; 20 micromol/L barium) were coadministered with each level of troglitazone in additional preparations. Then these arterial rings were contracted with either norepinephrine (NE), arginine vasopressin (AVP), or high-K buffer. All contractions were significantly relaxed by troglitazone (P <.05). Only 4AP significantly attenuated troglitazone's relaxation of NE and AVP contractions (P <.05), though not high-K-induced contractions. TEA, glyburide, and barium had no such influence. Thus, for both adrenergic (NE) and nonadrenergic (AVP) contractions, the delayed arterial vasorelaxation by troglitazone may be mediated at least in part by activation of 4AP-sensitive K channels. Furthermore, the specific subtype of the channels involved is most likely those bound in the outer cell membrane where their effectiveness in terms of mediating relaxation would depend on an intact transmembrane K ion gradient.

Locally released norepinephrine in the oxygen-dependent regulation of vascular tone of human umbilical vein

In a previous study, human umbilical vein preparations constricted at PO(2) values above the physiologic intrauterine PO(2) range and dilated at hypoxia. Denudation of the endothelium reversed the hypoxic vasodilatation only, suggesting the release of a nonendothelial vasoconstrictor. We therefore hypothesized that norepinephrine from adrenergic nerve terminals could be responsible for the observed constricting effects. We measured intracellular membrane potential and isometric tension of human umbilical vein strips with and without functional adrenergic denervation by 6-OH-dopamine during variation of PO(2). With PO(2) increasing from 5 to 104 mm Hg, intact preparations depolarized of from -58.6 +/- 1.1 mV (SEM) to -53.3 +/- 1.0 mV (p < 0.001) and isometric tension increased from 0.673 +/- 0.037 g to 0.825 +/- 0.044 g (p < 0.02). Intact preparations pretreated with 6-OH-dopamine depolarized from -58.0 +/- 0.5 mV to -55.8 +/- 0.6 mV (p < 0.01), and isometric tension increased from 0.598 +/- 0.040 g to 0.661 +/- 0.018 g (p < 0.02). At Po(2) values above the physiologic intrauterine umbilical venous Po(2) range, membrane potential and isometric tension were significantly lower in preparations with 6-OH-dopamine pretreatment compared with matched controls (p < 0.05). Denudation of the endothelium reversed the hypoxic hyperpolarization and vasodilatation observed in intact preparations. However, membrane potential and isometric tension were not different between endothelium-denuded preparations with and without 6-OH-dopamine pretreatment. We conclude that locally released norepinephrine contributes to the depolarization and vasoconstriction of the human umbilical vein at hyperoxia but does not antagonize the endothelium-dependent vasodilation at hypoxia.

Abnormal activation of Na+-K+ pump in aortas from rats with endotoxaemia

A diminished reactivity to several vasoconstrictor agents is usually observed in blood vessels obtained from animals with endotoxic shock. The contractile state of vascular smooth muscle is influenced by the activity of the electrogenical sodium (Na(+)-K(+)) pump. Thus, we examined inhibitors and agonists of nitric oxide (NO)-guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) on contractions to phenylephrine (PE) and relaxations to potassium in isolated aortic segments from rats treated with bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) for 6 h (i.e. to mimic a shock syndrome). Endotoxaemia for 6 h was associated with a severe hypotension and vascular hyporeactivity to noradrenaline and an increased plasma nitrate level in vivo. The PE-induced contraction was attenuated in aortic smooth muscle obtained from rats with endotoxic shock while the potassium-induced relaxation was greater in these preparations. Ouabain dose-dependently inhibited the potassium-induced relaxation in aortas from normal and endotoxaemic rats. 1 H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one enhanced the PE-induced contraction in endotoxaemic rats only, whereas it attenuated the difference of potassium-induced relaxation between normal and endotoxaemic rats. In contrast, in aortas obtained from normal rats, 8-bromo-cGMP reduced the PE-induced contraction and enhanced the potassium-induced relaxation to the level as seen in endotoxaemic animals. In aortas obtained from endotoxaemic rats, methylene blue further restored the PE-induced contraction to the normal and abolished the difference of potassium-induced relaxation between normal and endotoxaemic rats. These results suggest that the Na(+)-K(+) pump in the vascular bed of animals with endotoxic shock is abnormally activated and this augmented activation is modulated by cGMP.

Increased superoxide dismutase and Na+, K+-ATPase activities in aortic strips from potassium-adapted rats: implication for altered vascular reactivity

The contributions of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase to the altered vascular reactivity in potassium-adapted rats were investigated to test the hypothesis that smooth muscle hyperpolarisation may be involved. Isometric contractions to noradrenaline (NA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and relaxations to acetylcholine (ACh), levcromakalim (LEV) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), were measured in aortic rings from potassium-adapted rats. Pieces of the aortae were also excised from the animals and assayed for SOD and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase. Maximum contractile responses were significantly attenuated (P<0.05) in aortic rings from the potassium-adapted rats to NA and 5-HT, while relaxations were also significantly augmented (P<0.05) in the same rings to LEV and SNP, but not to ACh. Both SOD and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activities were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the aortae from the potassium-adapted rats compared to controls. It is concluded that the alteration in vascular smooth muscle reactivity may be due to hyperpolarisation caused by the activities of SOD and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase.

Kv channel subunits that contribute to voltage-gated K+ current in renal vascular smooth muscle

The rat renal arterial vasculature displays differences in K(+) channel current phenotypes along its length. Small arcuate to cortical radial arteries express a delayed rectifier phenotype, while the predominant Kv current in larger arcuate and interlobar arteries is composed of both transient and sustained components. We sought to determine whether Kvalpha subunits in the rat renal interlobar and arcuate arteries form heterotetramers, which may account for the unique currents, and whether modulatory Kvbeta subunits are present in renal vascular smooth muscle cells. RT-PCR indicated the presence of several different Kvalpha subunit isoform transcripts. Co-immunoprecipitation with immunoblotting and immunohistochemical evidence suggests that a portion of the K(+) current phenotype is a heteromultimer containing delayed-rectifier Kv1.2 and A-type Kv1.4 channel subunits. RT-PCR and immunoblot analyses also demonstrated the presence of both Kvbeta1.2 and Kvbeta1.3 in renal arteries. These results suggest that heteromultimeric formation of Kvalpha subunits and the presence of modulatory Kvbeta subunits are important factors in mediating Kv currents in the renal microvasculature and suggest a potentially critical role for these channel subunits in blood pressure regulation.

Apamin inhibits NO-induced relaxation of the spontaneous contractile activity of the myometrium from non-pregnant women

There is now considerable evidence for the involvement of K+ channels in nitric oxide (NO) induced relaxation of smooth muscles including the myometrium. In order to assess whether apamin-sensitive K+ channels play a role in NO - induced relaxation of the human uterus, we have studied the effect of specific blockers of these channels on the relaxation of myometrium from non-pregnant women. In vitro isometric contractions were recorded in uterine tissues from non-pregnant premenopausal women who had undergone hysterectomy. Apamin (10 nM) and scyllatoxin (10 nM) did not alter spontaneous myometrial contractions. However, 15-min pretreatment of the myometrium strips with apamin completely inhibited relaxation caused by diethylamine-nitric oxide (DEA/NO). The pretreatment with scyllatoxin significantly reduced (about 2.6 times) maximum relaxation of the strips induced by DEA/NO (p < 0.05). These results strongly suggest that, beside Ca2+ and voltage dependent charybdotoxin-sensitive (CTX-sensitive) K+ channels, apamin-sensitive K+ channels are also present in the human non-pregnant myometrium. These channels offer an additional target in the development of new tocolytic agents.

Role of nitric oxide and K+ channels in relaxation induced by polygodial in rabbit corpus cavernosum in vitro

This study examines the relaxation produced by the sesquiterpene polygodial and compares its action with those caused by acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in the rabbit corpus cavernosum (RbCC) in vitro. RbCC was set up in a 5-ml bath containing Krebs solution at 37 degrees C, at pH 7.2, and under 2 g of tension. Polygodial, ACh, and SNP elicited graded relaxation in RbCC with mean EC50 values of 46.70 microM, 0.38 microM, and 0.30 microM, respectively. The nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor L-NOARG and the guanylate cyclase inhibitors LY 83583 and ODQ markedly inhibited the relaxation induced by polygodial (% of inhibition of 79, 48, and 51, respectively) and those caused by ACh (% of inhibition of 100, 49, and 32, respectively). Tetraethylammonium (TEA) and glibenclamide inhibited the relaxation induced by polygodial (52% and 43%, respectively), but only TEA caused shift to the right on ACh-mediated relaxation. In contrast, apamin, charybdotoxin, and 4-aminopyridine or the protein kinase A inhibitor KT 5720 all failed to affect either polygodial or ACh-mediated relaxation in these preparations. The authors concluded that polygodial produced graded relaxation in the RbCC in vitro via a mechanism that was partially dependent on the release of NO or a NO-derived substance through an activation of guanylate cyclase but was independent of adenylate cyclase mechanism. In addition, the opening of K+ channels sensitive to TEA and glibenclamide, but not those sensitive to apamin, 4-aminopyridine, or charybdotoxin, also contributed to the relaxant action produced by polygodial in the RbCC.

Protein kinase G activation of K(ATP) channels in human-cultured prostatic stromal cells

In this study, we identify and investigate the role of protein kinase G (PKG) in cells cultured from human prostatic stroma. Cells were used for immunocytochemistry, contractility or K(+) fluorescent imaging studies. All cultured prostatic stromal cells showed PKG immunostaining. Phorbol 12,13 diacetate (PDA, 1 microM) elicited contractions from human-cultured prostatic stromal cells that could be blocked by both the L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker, nifedipine (3 microM), and the protein kinase C inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide (1 microM). The nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP, molar pIC(50) 5.16+/-0.17) and the cGMP-phosphodiesterase inhibitor, zaprinast (50 microM), inhibited PDA (1 microM)-induced contractions. The PKG activator beta-phenyl-1, N(2)-ethenoguanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (PET-cGMP, molar pIC(50) 6.96 +/- 0.25) also inhibited PDA (1 microM)-induced contractions. Glibenclamide (10 microM) and Rp-8-Br-cGMPS (5 microM), but not iberiotoxin (100 nM) or Rp-cAMP (5 microM), reversed this inhibition. In human-cultured prostatic stromal cells loaded with the K(+) fluorescent indicator, 1,3-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-[1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16-diazacyclooctadecane-7,16-diylbis(5-methoxy-6,2-benzofurandiyl)]bis-, tetrakis [(acetyloxy) methyl] ester (PBFI), PET-cGMP (300 nM) caused a reduction in intracellular K(+) that was blocked by glibenclamide (10 microM) and Rp-8-Br-cGMPS (5 microM), but not by iberiotoxin (100 nM). These data are consistent with the hypothesis that, in human-cultured prostatic stromal cells, PKG inhibits contractility through the activation of K(ATP) channels.

Oxidative stress and potassium channel function

1. Modulation of K+ channel activities by cellular oxidative stress has emerged as a significant determinant of vasomotor function in multiple disease states. 2. Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that superoxide (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) enhance BKCa channel activity in rat and cat cerebral arterioles; however, activity is decreased by peroxynitrite (ONOO-) in rat cerebral arteries. The mechanisms of changes in BKCa channel properties are not fully understood and may involve oxidation of cysteine residues that are located in the cell membranes. 3. Studies further suggest that O2- increases KATP channel activity in guinea-pig cardiac myocytes, but decreases opening in cerebral vasculature. Both H2O2 and ONOO- enhance KATP channel activity in the myocardium and in coronary, renal, mesenteric and cerebral vascular beds. Alteration of KATP channels by free radicals may be due to oxidation of SH groups or changes in the cytosolic concentration of ATP. 4. It does appear that O2- produced by either reaction of xanthine and xanthine oxidase or elevated levels of glucose reduces Kv channel activity and the impairments can be partially restored by free radical scavengers, superoxide dismutase and catalase. 5. Thus, redox modulation of potassium channel activity is an important mechanism regulating cell vascular smooth muscle membrane potential.

Molecular diversity of vascular potassium channel isoforms

1. One essential role for potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle is to buffer cell excitation and counteract vasoconstrictive influences. Several molecular mechanisms regulate potassium channel function. The interaction of these mechanisms may be one method for fine-tuning potassium channel activity in response to various physiological and pathological challenges. 2. The most prevalent K+ channels in vascular smooth muscle are large-conductance calcium- and voltage-sensitive channels (maxi-K channels) and voltage-gated channels (Kv channels). Both channel types are complex molecular structures consisting of a pore-forming alpha-subunit and an ancillary beta-subunit. The maxi-K and Kv channel alpha-subunits assemble as tetramers and have S4 transmembrane domains that represent the putative voltage sensor. While most vascular smooth muscle cells identified to date contain both maxi-K and Kv channels, the expression of individual alpha-subunit isoforms and beta-subunit association occurs in a tissue-specific manner, thereby providing functional specificity. 3. The maxi-K channel alpha-subunit derives its molecular diversity by alternative splicing of a single-gene transcript to yield multiple isoforms that differ in their sensitivity to intracellular Ca2+ and voltage, cell surface expression and post- translational modification. The ability of this channel to assemble as a homo- or heterotetramer allows for fine-tuning control to intracellular regulators. Another level of diversity for this channel is in its association with accessory beta-subunits. Multiple beta-subunits have been identified that can arise either from separate genes or alternative splicing of a beta-subunit gene. The maxi-K channel beta-subunits modulate the channel's Ca2+ and voltage sensitivity and kinetic and pharmacological properties. 4. The Kv channel alpha-subunit derives its diverse nature by the expression of several genes. Similar to the maxi-K channel, this channel has been shown to assemble as a homo- and heterotetramer, which can significantly change the Kv current phenotype in a given cell type. Association with a number of the ancillary beta-subunits affects Kv channel function in several ways. Beta-subunits can induce inactivating properties and act as chaperones, thereby regulating channel cell-surface expression and current kinetics.

Mechanisms modulating estrogen-induced uterine vasodilation

Estrogen, a potent vasodilator, has its greatest effects in reproductive tissues, e.g., increasing uterine blood flow (UBF) 5- to 10-fold within 90 min after a bolus dose. High-conductance potassium channels and nitric oxide (NO) contribute to the uterine responses, but other factors may be involved. We examined the role of ATP-dependent (ATP-sensitive) and voltage-gated (Kv) potassium channels and new protein synthesis in ovariectomized ewes with uterine artery flow probes, infusing intraarterial inhibitors glibenclamide (GLB; KATP), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP; Kv) or cycloheximide, respectively, into one uterine horn before and/or after systemic estradiol-17 beta (E2 beta, 1 microgram/kg i.v.). E2 beta alone increased UBF > 5-fold and heart rate by 10-25% (P < .01) within 90 min; mean arterial pressure (MAP) was unaffected. GLB did not alter basal hemodynamic parameters or responses to E2 beta. Basal UBF and heart rate were unaffected by 4-AP, but MAP increased by 10% and 25% at 30 and 120 min of infusion (P < .01), respectively. Although E2 beta-induced rises in UBF were unaffected in the control uterine horn, 4-AP dose-dependently inhibited UBF responses in the infused horn (R = .83, P = .003, n = 10). Cycloheximide not only dose-dependently inhibited UBF responses (R = .57, P = .01, n = 18) and increases in uterine cGMP secretion, 23.4 +/- 10.7 versus 340 +/- 60 pmol/min (P < .001), but also decreased UBF by 50% and cGMP by approximately 90% at the time of maximum UBF. Mechanisms modulating estrogen-induced uterine vasodilation involve signaling pathways that include NO, smooth muscle cGMP, smooth muscle potassium channels and new protein synthesis.

Detection and implications of potassium channel alterations

Potassium channel dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of a number of vascular diseases including pulmonary and systemic hypertension, diabetes, and complications of atherosclerosis. Two types of K+ channels that are known to be prevalent and contribute significantly to the repolarization of vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) membranes are the high-conductance Ca(2+)- and voltage-activated K+ (BKCa) channels, and the voltage-gated K+ (KV) channels. Alterations in either BKCa or KV channel function can have dramatic effects on vascular tone. To date, hereditary and congenital mutations in genes encoding K+ channels, abnormalities in transcription, posttranslational modifications, and altered responses to intracellular second messengers have been described as potential mechanisms for several cardiovascular diseases. Comprehensive approaches including genetic, biochemical, molecular biological, and electrophysiological analyses are necessary to identify the levels at which K+ channel expression patterns or function are disrupted. Additionally, reproducing clinical pathologies in animal, organ, and virtual models has been important in studying the discrete mechanisms by which the structure and function of these channels are altered in pathophysiological conditions. This article will describe approaches that are currently used to identify abnormalities in BKCa and KV channels that may exist in diseases involving vascular dysfunction.

Cardiovascular effects of lepadiformine, an alkaloid isolated from the ascidians Clavelina lepadiformis (Müller) and C. moluccensis (Sluiter)

The effects of lepadiformine, a natural marine alkaloid isolated from the ascidians Clavelina lepadiformis (Müller) and C. moluccensis (Sluiter), were studied in vivo by arterial blood pressure (aBP) recordings and electrocardiograms (ECG) in anaesthetised rats and in situ by peripheral vascular pressure recordings on perfused rabbit ear. Transmembrane resting (RP) and action (AP) potentials were also recorded by intracellular microelectrodes on electrically stimulated left ventricular papillary muscle and spontaneously beating atrium isolated from rat and frog hearts, respectively. Intravenous injection of lepadiformine (6mg/kg) produced marked bradycardia and a lengthening of ECG intervals as well as a transient decrease of aBP, which rapidly returned to normal. The decrease of aBP may have been related to a vasoconstrictor effect observed in the perfused ear experiment. Lepadiformine did not alter RP, but significantly lengthened the repolarising phase of AP in rat papillary muscle and frog atrium. Lepadiformine also mimicked the effect of Ba(2+) (0.2mM) on the rat AP repolarising phase. Moreover, the lengthening of the AP in frog atrium induced by lepadiformine still developed after the delayed outward K(+) current (I(K)) was blocked by tetraethylammonium (10mM). These observations suggest that lepadiformine-induced lengthening of AP duration was not due to a decrease of I(K), but may reasonably be attributed to a reduction of the inward rectifying K(+) current (I(K1)). This blockade of I(K1) could account for the cardiovascular effects of lepadiformine in vivo and in vitro and suggests that lepadiformine has antiarrhythmic properties.

Flufenamic acid enhances current through maxi-K channels in the trabecular meshwork of the eye

PURPOSE

Flufenamic acid relaxes trabecular meshwork, a smooth muscle-like tissue involved in the regulation of ocular outflow in the eye. In this study, we attempted to determine if ionic channels are involved in this response.

METHODS

Cultured human (HTM) and bovine (BTM) trabecular meshwork cells were investigated using the patch-clamp technique.

RESULTS

In trabecular meshwork, flufenamic acid (10(-5) M) reversibly stimulated outward current to 406 +/- 71% of initial outward current level in BTM (n = 10) and 294 +/- 75% of initial current level in HTM (n = 12) in all cells investigated; no significant differences emerged. The response was dosage-dependent. Replacement of potassium in all solutions eliminated the response to flufenamic acid (n = 4, BTM). Blocking K(ATP ) channels with glibenclamide (10(-5) M, n = 6) and small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels with apamin (10(-6) M, n = 5) had no effect. A direct effect on calcium channels could also not be detected. Blockage of the large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (maxi-K) by iberiotoxin (10(-7) M) suppressed 87 +/- 9% (n = 6; HTM) and 91 +/- 10% (n = 6; BTM) of the response. Depleting the cells of calcium did not significantly alter the response to flufenamic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

Flufenamic acid stimulates maxi-K channels in trabecular meshwork of both human and bovine origin. This should lead to hyperpolarization, closure of L-type channels and lowered cytosolic calcium levels, possibly explaining the relaxation observed in response to this substance.

Influence of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels on rat renal arteriolar responses to depolarizing agonists

Experiments were performed to evaluate the hypothesis that opening of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK(Ca) channels) promotes juxtamedullary arteriolar dilation and curtails constrictor responses to depolarizing agonists. Under baseline conditions, afferent and efferent arteriolar lumen diameters averaged 23.4 +/- 0.9 (n = 36) and 22.8 +/- 1.1 (n = 13) microm, respectively. The synthetic BK(Ca) channel opener NS-1619 evoked concentration-dependent afferent arteriolar dilation. BK(Ca) channel blockade (1 mM tetraethylammonium; TEA) decreased afferent diameter by 15 +/- 3% and prevented the dilator response to 30 microM NS-1619. ANG II (10 nM) decreased afferent arteriolar diameter by 44 +/- 4%, a response that was reduced by 30% during NS-1619 treatment; however, TEA failed to alter afferent constrictor responses to either ANG II or arginine vasopressin. Neither NS-1619 nor TEA altered agonist-induced constriction of the efferent arteriole. Thus, although the BK(Ca) channel agonist was able to curtail afferent (but not efferent) arteriolar constrictor responses to ANG II, BK(Ca) channel blockade did not allow exaggerated agonist-induced arteriolar constriction. These observations suggest that the BK(Ca) channels evident in afferent arteriolar smooth muscle do not provide a prominent physiological brake on agonist-induced constriction under our experimental conditions.

Oxidative regulation of large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels

Reactive oxygen/nitrogen species are readily generated in vivo, playing roles in many physiological and pathological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, by oxidatively modifying various proteins. Previous studies indicate that large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK(Ca) or Slo) are subject to redox regulation. However, conflicting results exist whether oxidation increases or decreases the channel activity. We used chloramine-T, which preferentially oxidizes methionine, to examine the functional consequences of methionine oxidation in the cloned human Slo (hSlo) channel expressed in mammalian cells. In the virtual absence of Ca(2+), the oxidant shifted the steady-state macroscopic conductance to a more negative direction and slowed deactivation. The results obtained suggest that oxidation enhances specific voltage-dependent opening transitions and slows the rate-limiting closing transition. Enhancement of the hSlo activity was partially reversed by the enzyme peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase, suggesting that the upregulation is mediated by methionine oxidation. In contrast, hydrogen peroxide and cysteine-specific reagents, DTNB, MTSEA, and PCMB, decreased the channel activity. Chloramine-T was much less effective when concurrently applied with the K(+) channel blocker TEA, which is consistent with the possibility that the target methionine lies within the channel pore. Regulation of the Slo channel by methionine oxidation may represent an important link between cellular electrical excitability and metabolism.