MitoK_(ATP)-PKC通路对人体肺动脉平滑肌细胞电压门控钾通道的影响

目的 以人体肺动脉平滑肌细胞(HPASMCs)为研究对象,研究线粒体膜上ATP敏感的钾通道(MitoKATP)对HPASMCs膜电位及电压门控钾通道(KV1.5)表达的影响,以及蛋白激酶C(PKC)在其信号转导中的可能作用.方法 从人正常肺组织分离出HPASMCs进行培养.利用激光共聚焦显微镜技术检测细胞线粒体膜电位(ΔΨm),全细胞膜片钳技术记录细胞膜电流变化,Western blot检测KV1.5蛋白和PKC-α的表达情况.结果 ①Diazoxide组肺动脉平滑肌细胞PKC-α的表达比正常对照组明显增强(P<0.05);这种作用可被5-羟基癸酸盐(5-HD)的作用所逆转;单独应用5-HD,平滑肌细胞PKC-α的表达与对照组比较差异无显著性意义.② Diazoxide作用24 h可明显抑制Kv电流以及下调Kv1.5蛋白的表达(P<0.05);佛波酯(PMA) 作用24 h也可明显抑制Kv电流以及下调Kv1.5蛋白的表达(P<0.05),而加入R0-31-8220可以逆转PMA的这一作用;Diazoxide和PMA同时应用较其中之一单独应用对人肺动脉平滑肌细胞Kv电流和Kv1.5表达有更加明显的抑制作用(均P<0.05);Diazoxide与R0-31-8220同时应用则部分逆转了Diazoxide对肺动脉平滑肌细胞Kv电流和Kv1.5表达的抑制(均P<0.05).结论 MitoKATP的开放和ΔΨm的增加可抑制Kv通道的活性和表达,可能参与并影响了肺动脉高压的发生发展, PKC在其中可能起介导作用.     

电压依赖性钾通道与Miconazole在低氧性肺血管收缩中的作用

目的观察大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞(PaSMCs)膜上电压依赖性钾通道(Kv)与细胞色素P450氧化酶抑制剂Miconazole在低氧性肺血管收缩中的作用。方法采用急性酶分离法分离出大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞(PaSMCs),利用全细胞膜片钳技术记录PaSMCs的Kv通道的电流特性;用低氧液体灌流PaSMCs造成急性低氧模型,记录低氧作用前后Kv通道的电流变化;用不同浓度的Miconazole作用于PaSMCs,记录加药前后的电流变化。结果低氧液体灌流以及不同浓度的Miconazole对Kv均有明显的抑制作用,且Miconazole的抑制作用具有一定的浓度依赖性,在加用Kv的特异性的阻断剂4氨基吡啶(4AP)后再加用该药不能进一步抑制Kv电流。结论低氧和Miconazole均作用于Kv通道的同一部位,支持PaSMCs膜上的Kv通道在低氧性肺血管收缩中起重要作用,而细胞色素P450氧化酶可调节细胞内的氧化还原状态,可能系一重要的氧感受器。     

电压门控性钾通道亚型Kv2.1在低氧性肺动脉高压形成和恢复中的作用

目的 研究电压门控性钾通道亚型Kv2.1基因表达变化在大鼠低氧性肺动脉高压形成以及恢复中的作用.方法 32只雄性SD大鼠均分为正常对照组、高原慢性低压低氧组(CH组)、二氯醋酸钠(DCA)治疗组(CH+DCA组)和高原低氧返回平原恢复7 d组(CHR7组).正常对照组在常压常氧平原条件下喂养,其余各组在模拟高原5 000 m低压氧舱内喂养21 d,动物模型建成后用闭式胸腔法测平均肺动脉压(mPAP),荧光定量PCR法检测4组大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞(pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells,PASMCs)的Kv2.1 mRNA表达;免疫组织化学方法检测大鼠PASMCs Kv2.1的表达;图像分析技术检测肺小动脉形态改变及Kv2.1表达强度变化;Western blot法检测肺动脉平滑肌细胞Kv2.1蛋白表达.结果 模拟高原5 000 m缺氧21 d后,与正常对照组相比,CH组Kv2.1 mRNA和蛋白表达明显下降,免疫组化显示PASMCs Kv2.1表达的平均光密度值(mIOD)减少,而mPAP明显增高,肺小动脉管壁增厚,管腔狭窄,肺血管重构明显.与CH组相比,DCA+CH组和CHR,组Kv2.1 mRNA和蛋白则明显恢复表达,PASMCs Kv2.1表达的mIOD增加,mPAP下降,血管重构减弱.结论 Kv2.1基因表达变化与高原低氧性肺动脉高压变化存在负相关性,表明Kv2.1在低氧性肺动脉高压的形成和恢复中可能起着一定的作用.     

K~+v通道在缺氧性肺血管收缩中的作用

目的 探讨K+v通道在缺氧性肺血管收缩(HPV)中的作用.方法 Wistar大鼠40只随机分为两组:常氧对照组和低氧组,采用酶消化的方法获得单个肺动脉血管平滑肌细胞(PASMC),将分离细胞经a-actin免疫组化鉴定为PASMC.采用膜片钳技术记录PASMC静息膜电位(Em)和电压门控性钾通道电流(Ikv).细胞内灌流Kv1.2,Kv1.3,Kv1.5,Kv2.1,Kv9.3抗体混合液(1:125),探讨钾通道在HPV中的作用.结果 低氧组膜电位明显去极化,细胞内灌流Kv1.2,Kv1.3,Kv1.5,Kv2.1,Kv9.3抗体混合液可显著抑制常氧对照组PASMC的Ikv,使Em去极化,细胞内灌流Kv1.2,Kv1.3,Kv1.5,Kv2.1,Kv9.3抗体混合液对低氧组PASMC的Ikv和Em均无显著影响.结论 Kv1.2,Kv1.3,Kv1.5,Kv2.1,Kv9.3可能是氧敏感型通道,并可能介导了缺氧性肺血管收缩.     

K+v通道在缺氧性肺血管收缩中的作用研究

目的 探讨K+v通道在缺氧性肺血管收缩（HPV）中的作用。方法Wistar大鼠40只随机分为两组:常氧对照组和低氧组, 采用酶消化的方法获得单个肺动脉血管平滑肌细胞（PASMC）,将分离细胞经a-actin免疫组化鉴定为PASMC。采用膜片钳技术记录PASMC静息膜电位（Em）和电压门控性钾通道电流（Ikv）。细胞内灌流Kv1.2、Kv1.3、Kv1.5、Kv2.1、Kv9.3抗体混合液（1：125）,探讨钾通道在HPV中的作用。结果 低氧组膜电位明显去极化,细胞内灌流Kv1.2、Kv1.3、Kv1.5、Kv2.1、Kv9.3抗体混合液可显著抑制常氧对照组PASMC的Ikv,使Em去极化,细胞内灌流Kv1.2、Kv1.3、Kv1.5、Kv2.1、Kv9.3抗体混合液对低氧组PASMC的Ikv和Em均无显著影响。结论Kv1.2、Kv1.3、Kv1.5、Kv2.1、Kv9.3可能是氧敏感型通道,并可能介导了缺氧性肺血管收缩。     

低氧降低大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞Kv1.5通道表达的p38MAPK通路机制

目的 探讨低氧对肺细小动脉平滑肌细胞Kv1.5通道表达的影响及其与p38 MAPK通路的关系,明确低氧性肺动脉高压（HPH）的发病机制.方法 SPF级雄性SD大鼠,超净工作台内分离3～4级肺动脉平滑肌细胞（PASMCs）.采用p38MAPK通路抑制剂SB203580和激活剂茴香霉素干预低氧过程.细胞传至3～6代后随机分为5组：正常对照组（N）,低氧组（H）,低氧＋ DMSO组（HD）,低氧＋SB203580组（HS）,低氧＋茴香霉素组（HA）,其中N组继续5％ CO2培养箱培养.其他组于低氧培养箱培养（5％ CO2,2％O2,PO2：25 ～ 35mmHg）,均培养60h.采用RT-PCR法测定PASMCs Kv1.5 mRNA含量,采用Western blot法测定PASMCs Kv1.5蛋白含量.结果 与N组相比,H组、HD组、HA组Kv1.5mRNA和蛋白表达均明显降低（P＜0.05）.较之H组和HD组,HS组Kv1.5 mRNA和蛋白表达明显上升,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.01）,H组和HD组间差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）,与HS组相比,HA组Kv1.5mRNA和蛋白表达明显降低（P＜0.01）.结论 低氧通过激活p38 MAPK信号通路降低Kv1.5通道表达,这可能是（HPH）的发病机制.     

二氯醋酸钠对模拟高原肺动脉高压大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞Kv1.5亚型的作用研究

目的研究电压门控性钾通道亚型(Kv1.5)在高原低压低氧性肺动脉高压中的作用,观察二氯醋酸钠(DCA)对高原低压低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠肺小动脉平滑肌细胞(PASMCs)电压门控性钾通道Kv1.5亚型基因表达的影响和肺动脉高压的降压作用。方法24只雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组(N组,8只)、高原低压低氧组(HA组,8只)及DCA干预组(DCA组,8只)。N组置于平原处室内喂养,HA组和DCA组均同时置于模拟的海拔5000m高原环境,DCA组大鼠予以DCA70mg·kg-1·d-1灌胃。21d后测量三组大鼠平均肺动脉压(mPAP)、肺小动脉平滑肌和心脏壁厚度,用荧光定量PCR法检测三组大鼠PASMCs Kv1.5 mRNA,免疫组织化学和免疫印迹法观察大鼠PASMCsKv1.5蛋白的表达。结果模拟高原5000m21d后,HA组大鼠mPAP明显高于N组(P0.01),其肺小动脉管壁增厚,管腔狭窄,表现为管壁厚度占外径的百分比(WT%)、管壁面积占总面积的百分比(WA%)和右心室与左心室加室间隔之比(RV/LV+S)较N组明显升高(P均0.01)。与HA组相比,DCA组mPAP则明显降低(P0.01),表现血管重构减弱,WT%和WA%明显下降(P0.01),RV/LV+S下降(P0.01)。HA组Kv1.5 mRNA明显低于N组(P0.01),DCA组Kv1.5 mRNA则明显恢复表达(P0.01)。HA组肺小动脉壁Kv1.5平均光密度低于N组(P0.01),DCA组则明显高于HA组(P0.01)。蛋白表达呈现相似结果。结论高原低压低氧性大鼠PASMCs Kv1.5表达明显受到抑制,DCA具有恢复Kv1.5表达、阻止肺小动脉重塑及降低肺动脉压的作用。     

人心房肌Kv1.5钾通道稳定表达细胞系的建立

目的:建立稳定表达人心房肌细胞Kv1.5钾通道的细胞系. 方法:将编码人心房Kv1.5钾通道的hKv1.5基因转染HEK 293细胞,用1 g/L G418筛选2 wk后采用膜片钳方法筛选具有抗G418抗性的细胞克隆,电流记录模式为全细胞记录. 结果:hKv1.5通道基因被成功转入HEK 293细胞并稳定表达;稳定表达的hKv1.5电流是具有明显电压依赖性和超快激活特点的外向电流,其电流大小为(3.20±0.60)nA,其激活电压在-30 mV左右. 结论:成功构建稳定表达人心房Kv1.5钾通道蛋白的HEK 293细胞系,其电流特性与人心房肌IKur相似,可以作为体外研究人心房IKur的细胞模型.     

糖基化终末产物损伤冠状动脉平滑肌细胞Kv通道

目的 研究糖基化终末产物（advanced glycation end products,AGEs）对大鼠冠状动脉平滑肌细胞电压门控性钾离子（voltage-gated K⁺,K_v）通道电流的影响。方法 分离大鼠冠状动脉平滑肌细胞,分为空白对照组、糖基化牛血清白蛋白（AGE-bull serum albumin,AGE-BSA）组、AGE-BSA+抗AGE受体抗体（anti-receptor of AGEs immunoglobulin G,anti-RAGE IgG）组进行干预。采用膜片钳技术检测各组细胞K_v通道电流,采用Western blotting、实时荧光定量PCR方法检测各组细胞K_v1.2和K_v1.5通道蛋白及mRNA的表达。结果 AGE-BSA直接干预冠状动脉平滑肌细胞明显抑制了平滑肌细胞的K_v电流达32.7%,并使K_v1.2和K_v1.5通道蛋白及mRNA的表达明显下调。而给予anti-RAGE IgG预处理30 min后再加入AGE-BSA刺激,平滑肌细胞的Kv电流密度及Kv1.2和Kv1.5通道蛋白及mRNA的表达与空白对照组相比,差异无统计学意义。结论 AGEs通过结合RAGE损伤冠状动脉平滑肌细胞K_v通道。     

K+v通道亚型在急性缺氧性肺血管收缩中的作用研究

目的 探讨K+v通道亚型在急性缺氧性肺血管收缩(HPV)中的作用.方法 Wistar大鼠30只随机分为两组:常氧对照组和低氧组,采用酶消化的方法 获得单个肺动脉血管平滑肌细胞(PASMC).将分离细胞经a-actin免疫组化鉴定为PASMC细胞.采用膜片钳技术记录PASMC静息膜电位(Em)和电压门控性钾通道电流(Ikv).细胞内灌流Kvl.2、Kvl.3、Kvl.5、Kv2.1抗体混合液(1:125),探讨钾通道在HPV中的作用.结果 低氧组膜电位明显去极化,细胞内灌流Kvl.2、Kvl.3、Kvl.5、Kv2.1抗体混合液可显著抑制常氧对照组PASMC的Ikv,使Em去极化,细胞内灌流Kvl.2、Kvl.3、Kvl.5、Kv2.1抗体混合液对低氧组PASMC的Ikv和Em均无显著影响.结论 Kvl.2、Kvl.3、Kvl.5、Kv2.1可能是氧敏感型通道,并可能介导了急性缺氧性肺血管收缩.     

High extracellular potassium ion concentration attenuates the blockade action of ketanserin on Kv1.3 channels expressed in xenopus oocytes

Background Ketanserin （KT）, a selective serotonin （5-HT） 2-receptor antagonist, reduces peripheral blood pressure by blocking the activation of peripheral 5-HT receptors. In this study electrophysiological method was used to investigate the effect of KT and potassium ion on Kv1.3 potassium channels and explore the role of blocker KT in the alteration of channel kinetics contributing to the potassium ion imbalances. Methods Kv1.3 channels were expressed in xenopus oocytes, and currents were measured using the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique. Results KCI made a left shift of activation and an inactivation curve of Kv1.3 current and accelerated the activation and inactivation time constant. High extracellular [K^＋] attenuated the blockade effect of KT on Kv1.3 channels. In the presence of KT and KCI the activation and inactivation time constants were not influenced significantly no matter what was administered first. KT did not significantly inhibit Kv1.3 current induced by tetraethylammonium （TEA）. Conclusions KT is a weak blocker of Kv1.3 channels at different concentrations of extracellular potassium and binds to the intracellular side of the channel pore. The inhibitor KT of ion channels is not fully effective in clinical use because of high [K^＋]. and other electrolyte disorders.     

K<Superscript>+</Superscript> channels and their effects on membrane potential in rat bronchial smooth muscle cells

Summary In order to investigate the K⁺ channels and their effects on resting membrane potential (Em) and excitability in rat bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMCs), the components of outward K⁺ channel currents and the effects of K⁺ channels on Em and tension in rat bronchial smooth muscle were observed by using standard whole-cell recording of patch clamp and isometric tension recording techniques. The results showed that under resting conditions, total outward K⁺ channel currents in freshly isolated BSMCs were unaffected by ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel blocker. There were two types of K⁺ currents: voltage-dependent delayed rectifier K⁺ channel (K_v) and large conductance calcium-activated K⁺ channel (BK_Ca) currents. 1 mmol/L 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, an, inhibitor of K_V) caused a significant depolarization (from −8.7±5.9 mV to −25.4±3.1 mV,n=18,P<0.001). In contrast, 1 mmol/L tetraethylammonium (TEA, an inhibitor of BK_Ca) had no significant effect on Em (from −37.6±4.8 mV to −36.8±4.1 mV,n=12,P>0.05). 4-AP caused a concentration-dependent contraction in resting bronchial strips. TEA had no effect on resting tension, but application of 5 mmol/L TEA resulted in a left shift with bigger pD₂ (the negative logarithm of the drug concentration causing 50% of maximal effect) (from 6.27±0.38 to 6.89±0.54,n=10,P<0.05) in the concentration-effect curve of endothine-1, and a right shift with smaller pD₂ (from 8.10±0.23 to 7.69±0.08,n=10,P<0.05) in the concentration-effect curve of isoprenaline. It was suggested that in rat BSMCs there may be two types of K⁺ channels, K_v and BK_Ca, which serve distinct roles. K_v participates in the control of resting Em and tension. BK_Ca is involved in the regulation of relaxation or contraction associated with excitation. LIU Xiansheng, male, born in 1969, M. D., Ph. D. This project was supported by a grant from the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China (No. 30270583).     

Effect of Nitric Oxide on Potassium Channels of Rat Airway Smooth Muscle Cells

Summary: The effect of nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on resting membrane potential (Em) and potassium currents of the bronchial smooth muscle cells from rats was investigated. All experiments were conducted in conventional whole-cell configuration. The changes of Em and potassium currents after addition of 0. 1 mmol/L SNP were measured under the current-clamp mode and the voltage-clamp mode respectively. Results showed that (1) SNP could decrease the Em from --33. 8±7.4 mV to -43. 7±6. 7mV (n=10, P＜0. 01); (2) SNP could increase the Ca2+-activated K+ channel peak currents under ramp protocol from 466.9±180. 1 pA to 597. 7±237. 6 pA (n= 7, P＜0. 01), and the currents under pulse protocol at +50 mV were increased from 544.2±145.4 pA to 678.1±206. 2 pA (n=6, P＜0.05); (3) SNP also could increase voltage-gated K+ channel peak currents under ramp protocol from 389. 6±84. 1 pA to 526. 7±98. 7 pA (n=7, P＜0. 01), the currents under pulse protocol at +50 mV were increased from 275.7±85.2 pA to 444.3±128.5 pA(n=6,P＜0. 01). It was concluded that SNP increases the activities of Ca2+-activated K+ channels and voltage-gated K+ channels and leads to K+ efflux and hyperpolarization of the cell membrane, resulting in a decrease of the cell excitement.     

HEK293细胞内源性电压门控钾离子通道电生理学特性研究

目的探讨人胚胎肾细胞(HEK293细胞)内源性电压门控钾通道的电生理特性,避免HEK293细胞上内源性离子通道对外源性离子通道表达时的干扰。方法利用全细胞膜片钳技术分析了HEK293细胞内源性电压门控钾通道的电生理特性。结果在HEK293细胞上去极化电压从-80 mV开始可触发1个外向电流。在+100 mV时电流为(422.78±68.87)pA,电流密度为(21.91±3.20)pA/pF。钾通道阻断剂四乙胺(tetraethylammonium,TEA)、4-氨基吡啶(4-aminopyri-dine,4-AP),在将细胞外液钾浓度由4 mmol/L提高到40 mmol/L时,对外向电流有影响。结论正常培养的HEK293细胞本身有内源性的钾通道。该外向电流可能包括了IK、IK1、IKur和Ito。     

谷氨酸对人交感神经母细胞瘤SH-SY5Y细胞系超极化激活的阳离子通道的影响

目的 观察谷氨酸(Glu)对交感神经细胞超极化激活的阳离子通道(I_h通道)活动的影响。 方法 采用人交感神经母细胞瘤SH-SY5Y细胞系作为交感神经细胞模型,用全细胞电压箝方式记录I_h通道电流。 结果 SH-SY5Y细胞存在I_h通道电流;Glu(1mmol/L)可抑制SH-SY5Y细胞I_h电流的K⁺电流成分,但增强I_h电流的Ca²⁺电流和Na⁺电流成分,综合效应是使I_h电流增大。 结论 Glu可增大SH-SY5Y细胞的I_h电流。这一效应提示,Glu可能通过诱发交感神经元去极化并促进其传出冲动增加。     

Effect of mitochondrial KATP channel on voltage-gated K+ channel in 24 hour-hypoxic human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells

Background Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is initiated by inhibition of O2-sensitive, voltage-gated (Kv) channels in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). The mechanism of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension has not yet been fully elucidated. The mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channel (MitoKATP) is extremely sensitive to hypoxia, and is a decisive factor in the control of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). This study investigated the changes of cell membrane potential and Kv channel in cultured human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (hPASMC) exposed to 24 hour-hypoxia, and explored the role of MitoKATP and ΔΨm in this condition. Methods Fresh human lung tissues were obtained from the patients undergoing a chest operation. hPASMCs were isolated, cultured, and divided into 6 groups: ① control group, cultured under normoxia; ② diazoxide group, cultured in normoxia with diazoxide, an opener of MitoKATP; ③ 5-HD group, cultured in normoxia with sodium 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD), an antagonist of MitoKATP; ④ 24 hour-hypoxia group; ⑤ 24 hour-hypoxia + diazoxide group; and ⑥ 24 hour-hypoxia + 5HD group. Whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to trace the cell membrane K+ currents. The expressions of cell membrane Kv1.5 mRNA and protein were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot technique, respectively. The relative changes in mitochondrial potential were tested with rhodamine fluorescence (R-123) technique. Results After exposure to diazoxide for 24 hours, the intensity of R-123 fluorescence in normoxic hPASMCs was significantly increased compared with control group (P&lt;0.05), but there were no significant changes in these tests after the hPASMCs had been exposed to 5-HD for 24 hours. Twenty-four hour-hypoxia or 24 hour-hypoxia + diazoxide could markedly increase the intensity of R-123 fluorescence in hPASMC and the changes were more significant in 24 hour-hypoxia +diazoxide group than in 24 hour-hypoxia group (P&lt;0.05) although 5-HD could partly weaken the effect of 24 hour-hypoxia on the intensity of R-123 fluorescence. After exposure to diazoxide for 24 hours, the cell membrane K+ currents and the expression of cell membrane Kv1.5 mRNA and protein in normoxic hPASMCs were significantly decreased compared with control group (P&lt;0.05), but there were no significant changes in these tests after the hPASMCs had been exposed to 5-HD for 24 hours. Also, 24 hour-hypoxia or 24 hour-hypoxia + diazoxide decreased the cell membrane K+ currents and the expression of Kv1.5 mRNA and protein (P&lt;0.05) but the changes were more significant in 24 hour-hypoxia + diazoxide group than in 24 hour-hypoxia group (P&lt;0.05). Again, 5-HD could partly weaken the inhibitory effect of 24 hour-hypoxia on the cell membrane K+ currents and the expression of Kv1.5 mRNA or protein (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions The opening of MitoKATP followed by a depolarization of ΔΨm in hypoxia might contribute to the alterations in the expression of cell membrane Kv1.5 mRNA and protein leading to change in the cell membrane potential of hypoxic hPASMCs. This might be a mechanism of the development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.     

Expression of Potassium Channels in Uterine Smooth Muscle Cells from Patients with Adenomyosis

Background:

Adenomyosis (AM) has impaired contraction. This study aimed to explore the expression of potassium channels related to contraction in myometrial smooth muscle cells (MSMCs) of AM.

Methods:

Uterine tissue samples from 22 patients (cases) with histologically confirmed AM and 12 (controls) with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were collected for both immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect the expression of large conductance calcium- and voltage-sensitive K⁺ channel (BKCa)-α/β subunits, voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv) 4.2, and Kv4.3. Student''s t-test was used to compare the expression.

Results:

The BKCa-α/β subunits, Kv4.2, and Kv4.3 were located in smooth muscle cells, glandular epithelium, and stromal cells. However, BKCa-β subunit expression in endometrial glands of the controls was weak, and Kv4.3 was almost undetectable in the controls. The expression of BKCa-α messenger RNA (mRNA) (0.62 ± 0.19-fold decrease, P < 0.05) and Kv4.3 mRNA (0.67 ± 0.20-fold decrease, P < 0.05) decreased significantly in the MSMCs of the control group compared with the AM group. However, there were no significant differences in BKCa-β subunit mRNA or Kv4.2 mRNA.

Conclusions:

The BKCa-α mRNA and the Kv4.3 mRNA are expressed significantly higher in AM than those in the control group, that might cause the abnormal uterus smooth muscle contractility, change the microcirculation of uterus to accumulate the inflammatory factors, impair the endometrium further, and aggravate the pain.     

K~+ Channels and Their Effects on Membrane Potential in Rat Bronchial Smooth Muscle Cells

In order to investigate the K~+ channels and their effects on resting membrane potential(Em) and excitability in rat bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMCs), the components of outward K~+channel currents and the effects of K~+ channels on Em and tension in rat bronchial smooth musclewere observed by using standard whole-cell recording of patch clamp and isometric tension recordingtechniques. The results showed that under resting conditions, total outward K~+ channel currents infreshly isolated BSMCs were unaffected by ATP-sensitive K~+ channel blocker. There were two typesof K~+ currents: voltage-dependent delayed rectifier K~+ channel (Kv) and large conductance calcium-activated K~+ channel (BK_(Ca)) currents. 1 mmol/L 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, an inhibitor of Kv)caused a significant depolarization (from — 8.7±5.9mV to —25.4±3.1mV, n=18, P<0.001).In contrast, 1 mmol/L tetraethylammonium (TEA, an inhibitor of BK_(Ca)) had no significant effect onEm (from —37.6±4.8 mV to —36.8±4.1 mV, n=12, P>0.05). 4     

Voltage-dependent K^＋-channel Responses during Activation and Damage in Alveolar Macrophages Induced by Quartz Particles

The roles of voltage-dependent K^＋ channels during activation and damage in alveolar macrophages （AMs） exposed to different silica particles were examined. Rat AMs were collected by means of bronchoalveolar lavage, and were adjusted to 5× 10^5/mL. After AMs were exposed to different concentrations （0, 25, 50, 100, 200 μg/mL） of quartz particles and 100 μg/mL amorphous silica particles for 24 h, the voltage-depended K^＋ current in AMs was measured by using patch clamp technique. Meanwhile the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and the viability of AMs were detected respectively. Patch clamp studies demonstrated that AMs possessed outward delayed and inward rectifying K^＋ current. Exposure to quartz particles increased the outward delayed K^＋ current but it had no effect on inward rectifier K^＋ current in AMs. Neither of the two K^＋ channels in AMs was affected by amorphous silica particles. Cytotoxicity test showed that both silica particles could damage AM membrane and result in significant leakage of LDH （P〈0.05）. MTT studies, however, showed that only quartz particles reduced viability of AMs （P〈0.05）. It is concluded that quartz parti- cles can activate the outward delayed K^＋ channel in AMs, which may act as an activating signal in AMs to initiate an inflammatory response during damage and necrosis in AMs induced by exposure to quartz particle. K^＋ channels do not contribute to the membrane damage of AMs.