Decreased expression of aortic KIR6.1 and SUR2B in hypertension does not correlate with changes in the functional role of K(ATP) channels

Effect of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus on the Expression and Function of Smooth Muscle ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels in Human Internal Mammary Artery Grafts

Here we have shown for the first time altered expression of the vascular smooth muscle (VSM) KATP channel subunits in segments of the human internal mammary artery (HIMA) in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Functional properties of vascular KATP channels in the presence of T2DM, and the interaction between its subunits and endogenous ligands known to relax this vessel, were tested using the potassium (K) channels opener, pinacidil. HIMA is the most commonly used vascular graft in cardiac surgery. Previously it was shown that pinacidil relaxes HIMA segments through interaction with KATP (SUR2B/Kir6.1) vascular channels, but it is unknown whether pinacidil sensitivity is changed in the presence of T2DM, considering diabetes-induced vascular complications commonly seen in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). KATP subunits were detected in HIMA segments using Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses. An organ bath system was used to interrogate endothelium-independent vasorelaxation caused by pinacidil. In pharmacological experiments, pinacidil was able to relax HIMA from patients with T2DM, with sensitivity comparable to our previous results. All three KATP subunits (SUR2B, Kir6.1 and Kir6.2) were observed in HIMA from patients with and without T2DM. There were no differences in the expression of the SUR2B subunit. The expression of the Kir6.1 subunit was lower in HIMA from T2DM patients. In the same group, the expression of the Kir6.2 subunit was higher. Therefore, KATP channels might not be the only method of pinacidil-induced dilatation of T2DM HIMA. T2DM may decrease the level of Kir6.1, a dominant subunit in VSM of HIMA, altering the interaction between pinacidil and those channels.

Mitochondria in endothelial cells angiogenesis and function: current understanding and future perspectives

Endothelial cells (ECs) angiogenesis is the process of sprouting new vessels from the existing ones, playing critical roles in physiological and pathological processes such as wound healing, placentation, ischemia/reperfusion, cardiovascular diseases and cancer metastasis. Although mitochondria are not the major sites of energy source in ECs, they function as important biosynthetic and signaling hubs to regulate ECs metabolism and adaptations to local environment, thus affecting ECs migration, proliferation and angiogenic process. The understanding of the importance and potential mechanisms of mitochondria in regulating ECs metabolism, function and the process of angiogenesis has developed in the past decades. Thus, in this review, we discuss the current understanding of mitochondrial proteins and signaling molecules in ECs metabolism, function and angiogeneic signaling, to provide new and therapeutic targets for treatment of diverse cardiovascular and angiogenesis-dependent diseases.

Upregulation of ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels as the Potential Mechanism of Cardioprotection and Vasorelaxation Under the Action of Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate in Old Rats

Background: The aging process is accompanied by the weakening of the protective systems of the organism, in particular by the decrease in the expression of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels and in the synthesis of H2S. The aim of our work was to investigate the role of KATP channels in the cardioprotection induced by pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP) in aging. Methods: Experiments were performed on adult and old (aged 24 months) male Wistar rats, which were divided into 3 groups: adults, old, and old PLP-treated rats. PLP was administered orally once a day for 14 days at a dose of 0.7 mg/kg. The levels of mRNA expression of subunits KATP channels were determined by reverse transcription and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Protein expression levels were determined by the Western blot. Cardiac tissue morphology was determined using transverse 6 μm deparaffinized sections stained with picrosirius red staining. Vasorelaxation responses of isolated aortic rings and the function of Langendorff-perfused isolated hearts during ischemia-reperfusion, H2S levels, and markers of oxidative stress were also studied. Results: Administration of PLP to old rats reduces cardiac fibrosis and improves cardiac function during ischemia-reperfusion and vasorelaxation responses to KATP channels opening. At the same time, there was a significant increase in mRNA and protein expression of SUR2 and Kir6.1 subunits of KATP channels, H2S production, and reduced markers of oxidative stress. The specific KATP channel inhibitor-glibenclamide prevented the enhancement of vasodilator responses and anti-ischemic protection in PLP-treated animals. Conclusions: We suggest that this potential therapeutic effect of PLP in old animals may be a result of increased expression of KATP channels and H2S production.

Cardiac dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive old rats is associated with a significant decrease of SUR2 expression

ATP-sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channels are participants of mechanisms of pathological myocardial remodeling containment. The aim of our work was to find the association of changes in the expression of Kir6.1, Kir6.2, SUR1, and SUR2 subunits of K_ATP channels with changes in heart function and structure during aging under conditions of the constant increase of vascular pressure. The experiments were carried out on young and old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar rats. The expression levels of K_ATP channels subunits were determined using reverse transcription and quantitative PCR. It is shown that the mRNA expression level of Kir6.1 in young SHR rats is significantly lower (6.3-fold, p = 0.035) than that of young Wistar rats that may be one of the causes of arterial hypertension in SHR. At the same time, mRNA expression of both Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 in old SHR rats was significantly higher (6.8-fold, p = 0.003, and 5.9-fold, p = 0.006, respectively) than in young hypertensive animals. In both groups of old animals, SUR2 expression was significantly reduced compared to young animals, in Wistar rats at 3.87-fold (p = 0.028) and in SHR rats at 48.2-fold (p = 0.033). Changes in SUR1 expression were not significant. Thus, significant changes in the cardiovascular system, including impaired function and structure of the heart in old SHR rats, were associated with a significant decrease in SUR2 expression that may be one of the mechanisms of heart failure decompensation. Therefore, it can be assumed that increased expression of SUR2 may be one of the protective mechanisms against pathological myocardial remodeling.

Clinical Importance of the Human Umbilical Artery Potassium Channels

Potassium (K⁺) channels are usually predominant in the membranes of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). These channels play an important role in regulating the membrane potential and vessel contractility-a role that depends on the vascular bed. Thus, the activity of K⁺ channels represents one of the main mechanisms regulating the vascular tone in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Briefly, the activation of K⁺ channels in SMC leads to hyperpolarization and vasorelaxation, while its inhibition induces depolarization and consequent vascular contraction. Currently, there are four different types of K⁺ channels described in SMCs: voltage-dependent K⁺ (K_V) channels, calcium-activated K⁺ (K_Ca) channels, inward rectifier K⁺ (Kir) channels, and 2-pore domain K⁺ (K_2P) channels. Due to the fundamental role of K⁺ channels in excitable cells, these channels are promising therapeutic targets in clinical practice. Therefore, this review discusses the basic properties of the various types of K⁺ channels, including structure, cellular mechanisms that regulate their activity, and new advances in the development of activators and blockers of these channels. The vascular functions of these channels will be discussed with a focus on vascular SMCs of the human umbilical artery. Then, the clinical importance of K⁺ channels in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy, such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, will be explored.

Effect of gestational diabetes mellitus and pregnancy-induced hypertension on human umbilical vein smooth muscle KATP channels

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) can jeopardize mother and/or fetus. Vascular ATP-sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channels most likely participate in the processes of diabetes and hypertension. The aim of this research was to examine whether GDM and PIH cause changes in the expression and function of K_ATP channels in vascular smooth muscle of human umbilical vein (HUV). Western blot and immunohistochemistry detected significantly decreased expression of Kir6.1 subunit of K_ATP channels in GDM and PIH, while the expression of SUR2B was unchanged. In GDM, a K⁺ channel opener, pinacidil caused reduced relaxation of the endothelium-denuded HUVs compared to normal pregnancy. However, its effects in HUVs from PIH subjects were similar to normal pregnancy. In all groups K_ATP channel blocker glibenclamide antagonized the relaxation of HUV induced by pinacidil without change in the maximal relaxations indicating additional K_ATP channel-independent mechanisms of pinacidil action. Iberiotoxin, a selective antagonist of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels, inhibited the relaxant effect of pinacidil in PIH, but not in normal pregnancy and GDM. Experiments performed in K⁺-rich solution confirmed the existence of K⁺-independent effects of pinacidil, which also appear to be impaired in GDM and PIH. Thus, the expression of K_ATP channels is decreased in GDM and PIH. In GDM, vasorelaxant response of HUV to pinacidil is reduced, while in PIH it remains unchanged. It is very likely that K_ATP channels modulation and more detailed insight in K_ATP channel-independent actions of pinacidil may be precious in the therapy of pathological pregnancies.

Smooth Muscle Ion Channels and Regulation of Vascular Tone in Resistance Arteries and Arterioles

Vascular tone of resistance arteries and arterioles determines peripheral vascular resistance, contributing to the regulation of blood pressure and blood flow to, and within the body's tissues and organs. Ion channels in the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in these blood vessels importantly contribute to the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration, the primary determinant of SMC contractile activity and vascular tone. Ion channels provide the main source of activator Ca2+ that determines vascular tone, and strongly contribute to setting and regulating membrane potential, which, in turn, regulates the open-state-probability of voltage gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs), the primary source of Ca2+ in resistance artery and arteriolar SMCs. Ion channel function is also modulated by vasoconstrictors and vasodilators, contributing to all aspects of the regulation of vascular tone. This review will focus on the physiology of VGCCs, voltage-gated K+ (KV) channels, large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels, strong-inward-rectifier K+ (KIR) channels, ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels, ryanodine receptors (RyRs), inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs), and a variety of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels that contribute to pressure-induced myogenic tone in resistance arteries and arterioles, the modulation of the function of these ion channels by vasoconstrictors and vasodilators, their role in the functional regulation of tissue blood flow and their dysfunction in diseases such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 7:485-581, 2017.

Potassium Channels in Regulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Contraction and Growth

Potassium channels importantly contribute to the regulation of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) contraction and growth. They are the dominant ion conductance of the VSM cell membrane and importantly determine and regulate membrane potential. Membrane potential, in turn, regulates the open-state probability of voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (VGCC), Ca²⁺ influx through VGCC, intracellular Ca²⁺, and VSM contraction. Membrane potential also affects release of Ca²⁺ from internal stores and the Ca²⁺ sensitivity of the contractile machinery such that K⁺ channels participate in all aspects of regulation of VSM contraction. Potassium channels also regulate proliferation of VSM cells through membrane potential-dependent and membrane potential-independent mechanisms. VSM cells express multiple isoforms of at least five classes of K⁺ channels that contribute to the regulation of contraction and cell proliferation (growth). This review will examine the structure, expression, and function of large conductance, Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) channels, intermediate-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (K_Ca3.1) channels, multiple isoforms of voltage-gated K⁺ (K_V) channels, ATP-sensitive K⁺ (K_ATP) channels, and inward-rectifier K⁺ (K_IR) channels in both contractile and proliferating VSM cells.

The shifting landscape of KATP channelopathies and the need for 'sharper' therapeutics

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels play fundamental roles in the regulation of endocrine, neural and cardiovascular function. Small-molecule inhibitors (e.g., sulfonylurea drugs) or activators (e.g., diazoxide) acting on SUR1 or SUR2 have been used clinically for decades to manage the inappropriate secretion of insulin in patients with Type 2 diabetes, hyperinsulinism and intractable hypertension. More recently, the discovery of rare disease-causing mutations in KATP channel-encoding genes has highlighted the need for new therapeutics for the treatment of certain forms of neonatal diabetes mellitus, congenital hyperinsulinism and Cantu syndrome. Here, we provide a high-level overview of the pathophysiology of these diseases and discuss the development of a flexible high-throughput screening platform to enable the development of new classes of KATP channel modulators.

Adenosine Triphosphate-Sensitive Potassium Currents in Heart Disease and Cardioprotection

The subunit makeup of the family of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel (KATP) channels is more complex and labile than thought. The growing association of Kir6.1 and SUR2 variants with specific cardiovascular electrical and contractile derangements and the clear association with Cantu syndrome establish the importance of appropriate activity in normal function of the heart and vasculature. Further studies of such patients will reveal new mutations in KATP subunits and perhaps in proteins that regulate KATP synthesis, trafficking, or location, all of which may ultimately benefit therapeutically from the unique pharmacology of KATP channels.

Molecular analysis of ATP-sensitive K(+) channel subunits expressed in mouse portal vein

BACKGROUND

Several combinations of inwardly rectifying K(+) channel 6.x family pore-forming (KIR6.x) subunits associated with sulphonylurea receptor (SUR.x) subunits have been detected among ATP-sensitive K(+) (KATP) channels. It remains to be established which of these is expressed in native vascular smooth muscle.

METHODS

Pharmacological and electrophysiological properties of KATP channels in mouse portal vein were investigated using tension measurements and patch-clamp techniques. Molecular biological analyses were also performed to investigate the structural properties of these channels.

RESULTS

Spontaneous contractions in mouse portal vein were reversibly reduced by pinacidil and MCC-134, and the pinacidil-induced relaxation was antagonized by glibenclamide and U-37883A. In cell-attached mode, pinacidil activated glibenclamide-sensitive K(+) channels with a conductance (35 pS) similar to that of KIR6.1. RT-PCR analysis revealed the expression of KIR6.1, KIR6.2 and SUR2B transcripts. Using real-time PCR methods, the quantitative expression of KIR6.1 was much greater than that of KIR6.2. Immunohistochemical studies indicated the presence of KIR6.1 and SUR2B proteins in the smooth muscle layers of mouse portal vein and in single smooth muscle cells dispersed from mouse portal vein.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that native KATP channels in mouse portal vein are likely to be composed of a heterocomplex of KIR6.1 and SUR2B subunits.

Hydrogen sulfide upregulates KATP channel expression in vascular smooth muscle cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats

The study was designed to investigate whether H2S could upregulate expression of KATP channels in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and by this mechanism enhances vasorelaxation in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Blood pressure, vascular structure, and vasorelaxation were analyzed. Plasma H2S was detected using polarographic sensor. SUR2B and Kir6.1 expressions were detected in VSMCs of SHR and in A7r5 cells as well as primarily cultured ASMCs using real-time PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, and confocal imaging. Nuclear translocation of forkhead transcription factors FOXO1 and FOXO3a in ASMCs was detected using laser confocal microscopy, and their binding activity with SUR2B and Kir6.1 promoters was examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. SHR developed hypertension at 18 weeks. They showed downregulated vascular SUR2B and Kir6.1 expressions in association with a decreased plasma H2S level. H2S donor, however, could upregulate vascular SUR2B and Kir6.1 expressions, causing a left shift of the vasorelaxation curve to pinacidil and lowered tail artery pressure in the SHR. Also, H2S antagonized endothelin-1 (ET-1)-inhibited KATP expression in A7r5 cells and cultured ASMCs. Mechanistically, H2S inhibited ET-1-stimulated p-FOXO1 and p-FOXO3a expressions (inactivated forms), but increased their nuclear translocation and the ET-1-inhibited binding of FOXO1 and FOXO3a with Kir6.1 and SUR2B promoters in ASMCs. Hence, H2S promotes vasorelaxation of SHR, at least in part, through upregulating the expression of KATP subunits by inhibiting phosphorylation of FOXO1 and FOXO3a, and stimulating FOXO1 and FOXO3a nuclear translocation and their binding activity with SUR2B and Kir6.1 promoters.

KEY MESSAGES

H2S increased vascular SUR2B and Kir6.1 expression of SHR, promoting vasorelaxation. H2S antagonized ET-1-inhibited KATP expression in A7r5 cells and cultured ASMCs. H2S inhibited ET-1-induced FOXO1 and FOXO3a phosphorylation in ASMCs. H2S promoted FOXO1 and FOXO3a nuclear translocation and binding with target gene promoters.

The role of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in cellular function and protection in the cardiovascular system

ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K(ATP)) are widely distributed and present in a number of tissues including muscle, pancreatic beta cells and the brain. Their activity is regulated by adenine nucleotides, characteristically being activated by falling ATP and rising ADP levels. Thus, they link cellular metabolism with membrane excitability. Recent studies using genetically modified mice and genomic studies in patients have implicated K(ATP) channels in a number of physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we focus on their role in cellular function and protection particularly in the cardiovascular system.

KATP channels and cardiovascular disease: suddenly a syndrome

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels were first discovered in the heart 30 years ago. Reconstitution of KATP channel activity by coexpression of members of the pore-forming inward rectifier gene family (Kir6.1, KCNJ8, and Kir6.2 KCNJ11) with sulfonylurea receptors (SUR1, ABCC8, and SUR2, ABCC9) of the ABCC protein subfamily has led to the elucidation of many details of channel gating and pore properties. In addition, the essential roles of Kir6.x and SURx subunits in generating cardiac and vascular KATP(2) and the detrimental consequences of genetic deletions or mutations in mice have been recognized. However, despite this extensive body of knowledge, there has been a paucity of defined roles of KATP subunits in human cardiovascular diseases, although there are reports of association of a single Kir6.1 variant with the J-wave syndrome in the ECG, and 2 isolated studies have reported association of loss of function mutations in SUR2 with atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Two new studies convincingly demonstrate that mutations in the SUR2 gene are associated with Cantu syndrome, a complex multi-organ disorder characterized by hypertrichosis, craniofacial dysmorphology, osteochondrodysplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, cardiomegaly, pericardial effusion, and lymphoedema. This realization of previously unconsidered consequences provides significant insight into the roles of the KATP channel in the cardiovascular system and suggests novel therapeutic possibilities.

High blood pressure associates with the remodelling of inward rectifier K+ channels in mice mesenteric vascular smooth muscle cells

The increased vascular tone that defines essential hypertension is associated with depolarization of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and involves a change in the expression profile of ion channels promoting arterial contraction. As a major regulator of VSMC resting membrane potential (V(M)), K(+) channel activity is an important determinant of vascular tone and vessel diameter. However, hypertension-associated changes in the expression and/or modulation of K(+) channels are poorly defined, due to their large molecular diversity and their bed-specific pattern of expression. Moreover, the impact of these changes on the integrated vessel function and their contribution to the development of altered vascular tone under physiological conditions need to be confirmed. Hypertensive (BPH) and normotensive (BPN) mice strains obtained by phenotypic selection were used to explore whether changes in the functional expression of VSMC inward rectifier K(+) channels contribute to the more depolarized resting V(M) and the increased vascular reactivity of hypertensive arteries. We determined the expression levels of inward rectifier K(+) channel mRNA in several vascular beds from BPN and BPH animals, and their functional contribution to VSMC excitability and vascular tone in mesenteric arteries. We found a decrease in the expression of Kir2.1, Kir4.1, Kir6.x and SUR2 mRNA in BPH VSMCs, and a decreased functional contribution of both K(IR) and K(ATP) channels in isolated BPH VSMCs. However, only the effect of K(ATP) channel modulators was impaired when exploring vascular tone, suggesting that decreased functional expression of K(ATP) channels may be an important element in the remodelling of VSMCs in essential hypertension.

Cirrhosis decreases vasoconstrictor response to electrical field stimulation in rat mesenteric artery: role of calcitonin gene-related peptide

Our study determines alterations in the vasoconstrictor response elicited by electric field stimulation (EFS) in mesenteric arteries from cirrhotic rats treated with CCl(4), and how calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) participates in this response. Vasoconstriction induced by EFS was analysed in the absence and presence of the CGRP receptor antagonist CGRP(8-37) in arterial segments from control and cirrhotic rats. The vasodilator response to exogenous CGRP was tested in both groups of rats, and the interference of the guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ or the K(ATP) channel blocker glibenclamide was analysed only in segments from cirrhotic rats. The vasodilator response to the K(ATP) channel opener pinacidil and to 8-bromo-cyclic GMP was tested. The K(ATP) currents were recorded using the patch-clamp technique. Expression of receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), calcitonin receptor-like receptor, Kir 6.1 and sulfonylurea receptor 2B (SUR2B) was also analysed. Release of CGRP and cGMP was measured. The EFS-elicited vasoconstriction was less in segments from cirrhotic rats. The presence of CGRP(8-37) increased the EFS-induced response only in segments from cirrhotic rats. The CGRP-induced vasodilatation was greater in segments from cirrhotic rats, and was inhibited by ODQ or glibenclamide. Both pinacidil and 8-bromo-cyclic GMP induced a stronger vasodilator response in segments from cirrhotic rats. Pinacidil induced greater K(ATP) currents in cirrhotic myocytes. Expression of RAMP1, calcitonin receptor-like receptor, Kir 6.1 and SUR2B was not modified by liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis increased CGRP release, but did not modify cGMP formation. The decreased vasoconstrictor response to EFS in cirrhosis is mediated by increased vasodilator response to CGRP, as well as increased K(ATP) channel gating. This effect of CGRP may play a role in the splanchnic vasodilatation present in liver cirrhosis.

Muscle KATP channels: recent insights to energy sensing and myoprotection

ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels are present in the surface and internal membranes of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle cells and provide a unique feedback between muscle cell metabolism and electrical activity. In so doing, they can play an important role in the control of contractility, particularly when cellular energetics are compromised, protecting the tissue against calcium overload and fiber damage, but the cost of this protection may be enhanced arrhythmic activity. Generated as complexes of Kir6.1 or Kir6.2 pore-forming subunits with regulatory sulfonylurea receptor subunits, SUR1 or SUR2, the differential assembly of K(ATP) channels in different tissues gives rise to tissue-specific physiological and pharmacological regulation, and hence to the tissue-specific pharmacological control of contractility. The last 10 years have provided insights into the regulation and role of muscle K(ATP) channels, in large part driven by studies of mice in which the protein determinants of channel activity have been deleted or modified. As yet, few human diseases have been correlated with altered muscle K(ATP) activity, but genetically modified animals give important insights to likely pathological roles of aberrant channel activity in different muscle types.