The Thiazide-Sensitive Co-Transporter Promotes the Development of Sodium Retention in Mice with Diet-Induced Obesity.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Intravascular volume expansion due to sodium retention is involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-related hypertension. Institution of high fat diet (HFD) feeding leads to an initial state of positive sodium balance due to enhanced tubular reabsorption of sodium, but which tubular sodium transporters are responsible for this remains undefined. METHODS: C57/Bl6 mice were fed control or HFD for 3 weeks. Blood pressures were recorded by tail cuff method. Sodium transporter expression and phosphorylation were determined by Western blotting. In vivo activity of NCC was determined using natriuretic responses to hydrochlorothiazide. Expression of NCC mRNA was determined using qPCR. RESULTS: At 3 weeks HFD mice had significant weight gains compared to control mice, but blood pressures were not yet elevated. There were no changes in expression or phosphorylation of the bumetanide-sensitive cotransporter, NKCC2, or in expression of subunits of the amiloride-sensitive ion channel, ENaC. However, there were significant increases in mRNA and protein expression of the thiazide-sensitive co-transporter, NCC, in kidneys from HFD mice. Consistent with this, HFD mice had increased in vivo activity of NCC. CONCLUSIONS: Increased expression of NCC promotes the sodium loading response to institution of HFD feeding before onset of hypertension.

Induction of xenobiotic receptors, transporters, and drug metabolizing enzymes by oxycodone.

Perturbations of the expression of transporters and drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) by opioids can be the locus of deleterious drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Many transporters and DMEs are regulated by xenobiotic receptors [XRs; e.g., pregnane X receptor (PXR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), and Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)]; however, there is a paucity of information regarding the influence of opioids on XRs. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of oxycodone administration (15 mg/kg intraperitoneally twice daily for 8 days) on liver expression of XRs, transporters, and DMEs in rats. Microarray, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting analyses were used to identify significantly regulated genes. Three XRs (e.g., PXR, CAR, and AhR), 27 transporters (e.g., ABCB1 and SLC22A8), and 19 DMEs (e.g., CYP2B2 and CYP3A1) were regulated (P < 0.05) with fold changes ranging from -46.3 to 17.1. Using MetaCore (computational platform), we identified a unique gene-network of transporters and DMEs assembled around PXR, CAR, and AhR. Therefore, a series of transactivation/translocation assays were conducted to determine whether the observed changes of transporters/DMEs are mediated by direct activation of PXR, CAR, or AhR by oxycodone or its major metabolites (noroxycodone and oxymorphone). Neither oxycodone nor its metabolites activated PXR, CAR, or AhR. Taken together, these findings identify a signature hepatic gene-network associated with repeated oxycodone administration in rats and demonstrate that oxycodone alters the expression of many transporters and DMEs (without direct activation of PXR, CAR, and AhR), which could lead to undesirable DDIs after coadministration of substrates of these transporters/DMEs with oxycodone.

Localization of the ATP-sensitive K(+) channel regulatory subunits SUR2A and SUR2B in the rat brain.

ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channel subunits SUR2A and SUR2B in the rat brain were investigated by RT-PCR assay, western blot analysis, in situ hybridization histochemistry, and immunohistochemical staining. The results show that the mRNA and protein of SUR2A and SUR2B are expressed in whole rat brain extracts and selected regions. SUR2 mRNA is widely expressed in many neurons and glial cells as revealed by in situ hybridization histochemistry. Immunohistochemical staining shows SUR2A to be widely expressed in neurons of the brain, especially in the large pyramidal neurons and their main dendrites in the neocortex and in the Purkinje cells of the cerebellar cortex. In contrast to SUR2A, SUR2B is potently expressed in small cells in the corpus callosum and cerebellar white matter, but is also weakly expressed in some neurons. Double immunostaining shows SUR2B to be localized in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, while SUR2A is only localized in oligodendrocytes. These results suggest that SUR2A might be mainly a regulatory subunit of the K(ATP) channel in most neurons and part of oligodendrocytes, while SUR2B might be mainly a regulatory subunit of the K(ATP) channel in astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and some neurons.

Sulfonylurea receptor 1 in central nervous system injury: a focused review.

The sulfonylurea receptor 1 (Sur1)-regulated NC(Ca-ATP) channel is a nonselective cation channel that is regulated by intracellular calcium and adenosine triphosphate. The channel is not constitutively expressed, but is transcriptionally upregulated de novo in all cells of the neurovascular unit, in many forms of central nervous system (CNS) injury, including cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The channel is linked to microvascular dysfunction that manifests as edema formation and delayed secondary hemorrhage. Also implicated in oncotic cell swelling and oncotic (necrotic) cell death, the channel is a major molecular mechanism of 'accidental necrotic cell death' in the CNS. In animal models of SCI, pharmacological inhibition of Sur1 by glibenclamide, as well as gene suppression of Abcc8, prevents delayed capillary fragmentation and tissue necrosis. In models of stroke and TBI, glibenclamide ameliorates edema, secondary hemorrhage, and tissue damage. In a model of SAH, glibenclamide attenuates the inflammatory response due to extravasated blood. Clinical trials of an intravenous formulation of glibenclamide in TBI and stroke underscore the importance of recent advances in understanding the role of the Sur1-regulated NC(Ca-ATP) channel in acute ischemic, traumatic, and inflammatory injury to the CNS.

A soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor--8-HUDE increases pulmonary vasoconstriction through inhibition of K(ATP) channels.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), cytochrome P450-derived metabolites of arachidonic acid, are endogenously produced epoxides that act as substrates for the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Recent studies indicate that EETs increase the tension of rat pulmonary arteries (PAs), and inhibition of sEH augments hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. However, the mechanisms underlying the proconstrictive effects of sEH inhibitors in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) are unclear. In the present study, we used a sEH inhibitor, 12-(3-hexylureido) dodec-8-enoic acid (8-HUDE), to examine the ionic mechanisms underlying the constriction of PAs. 8-HUDE increased the tension of rat PAs to 145% baseline in a manner which was effectively eliminated by 10 µmol/L glibenclamide, an inhibitor of ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels. Whole cell currents of HEK cells transfected with Kir6.1 or SUR2B were activated by K(ATP) channel opener pinacidil, inhibited by K(ATP) channel inhibitor glibenclamide or inhibited by 8-HUDE in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 40 uM. In addition, 8-HUDE inhibited the expression of Kir6.1 and SUR2B at both mRNA and protein level in rat PASMCs. These observations suggest that 8-HUDE exerts acute effects on K(ATP) channel activity as well as subacute effects through decreased channel expression, and these effects are, at least in part, via the Kir6.1/SUR2B channel.

The first nucleotide binding domain of the sulfonylurea receptor 2A contains regulatory elements and is folded and functions as an independent module.

The sulfonylurea receptor 2A (SUR2A) is an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) protein that forms the regulatory subunit of ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels in the heart. ATP binding and hydrolysis at the SUR2A nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) control gating of K(ATP) channels, and mutations in the NBDs that affect ATP hydrolysis and cellular trafficking cause cardiovascular disorders. To date, there is limited information on the SUR2A NBDs and the effects of disease-causing mutations on their structure and interactions. Structural and biophysical studies of NBDs, especially from eukaryotic ABC proteins like SUR2A, have been hindered by low solubility of the isolated domains. We hypothesized that the solubility of heterologously expressed SUR2A NBDs depends on the precise definition of the domain boundaries. Putative boundaries of SUR2A NBD1 were identified by structure-based sequence alignments and subsequently tested by exploring the solubility of SUR2A NBD1 constructs with different N and C termini. We have determined boundaries of SUR2A NBD1 that allow for soluble heterologous expression of the protein, producing a folded domain with ATP binding activity. Surprisingly, our alignment and screening data indicate that SUR2A NBD1 contains two putative, previously unidentified, regulatory elements: a large insert within the ß-sheet subdomain and a C-terminal extension. Our approach, which combines the use of structure-based sequence alignments and predictions of disordered regions combined with biochemical and biophysical studies, may be applied as a general method for developing suitable constructs of other NBDs of ABC proteins.

Inhibitory effect of caffeine on pacemaker activity in the oviduct is mediated by cAMP-regulated conductances.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Spontaneous electrical activity, termed slow waves, drives rhythmic, propulsive contractions in the smooth muscle of the oviduct (myosalpinx). Myosalpinx contractions cause egg transport through the oviduct. Agents that disrupt slow wave pacemaker activity will therefore disrupt myosalpinx contractions and egg transport. Caffeine is commonly used as a ryanodine receptor agonist and has been previously associated with delayed conception. Here we assessed the effects of caffeine on pacemaker activity in the murine myosalpinx. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The effects of caffeine on electrical pacemaker activity were studied using intracellular microelectrode and isometric force measurements on intact oviduct muscle preparations. Responses to caffeine were compared with responses caused by 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and forskolin. KEY RESULTS: Caffeine caused hyperpolarization of membrane potential and inhibited slow wave generation and myosalpinx contractions. The effects of caffeine could be mimicked by the K(ATP) channel agonist pinacidil and antagonized by the K(ATP) channel antagonist glibenclamide. Caffeine is known to inhibit cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs), leading to an increase in cytosolic cAMP and stimulation of downstream cAMP-dependent mechanisms. The effects of caffeine were mimicked by the PDE inhibitor, IBMX, and the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin. These effects were also reversed by glibenclamide. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These results suggest that caffeine activates K(ATP) channels in oviduct myosalpinx. Since caffeine abolishes slow waves and associated contractions of the myosalpinx, it would have a negative effect on egg transport through the oviduct and may contribute to the documented delayed conception in women consuming caffeinated beverages.

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.

Expression of sulfonylurea receptors in rat taste buds.

To test the possibility that a fast-onset promoting agent repaglinide may initiate prandial insulin secretion through the mechanism of cephalic-phase insulin release, we explored the expression and distribution character of sulfonylurea receptors in rat taste buds. Twenty male Wistar rats aged 10 weeks old were killed after general anesthesia. The circumvallate papillae, fungiform papillae and pancreas tissues were separately collected. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression and distribution of sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) or sulfonylurea receptor 2 (SUR2) in rat taste buds. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression of SUR1 or SUR2 mRNA. The pancreatic tissues from the same rat were used as positive control. This is the first study to report that SUR1 is uniquely expressed in the taste buds of fungiform papillae of each rat tongue, while the expression of SUR1 or SUR2 was not detected in the taste buds of circumvallate papillae. SUR1 is selectively expressed in rat taste buds, and its distribution pattern may be functionally relevant, suggesting that the rapid insulin secretion-promoting effect of repaglinide may be exerted through the cephalic-phase secretion pathway mediated by taste buds.

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.

Human oocytes express ATP-sensitive K(+) channels.

BACKGROUND: ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels link intracellular metabolism with membrane excitability and play crucial roles in cellular physiology and protection. The K(ATP) channel protein complex is composed of pore forming, Kir6.x (Kir6.1 or Kir6.2) and regulatory, SURx (SUR2A, SUR2B or SUR1), subunits that associate in different combinations. The objective of this study was to determine whether mammalian oocytes (human, bovine, porcine) express K(ATP) channels. METHODS: Supernumerary human oocytes at different stages of maturation were obtained from patients undergoing assisted conception treatments. Bovine and porcine oocytes in the germinal vesicle (GV) stage were obtained by aspirating antral follicles from abattoir-derived ovaries. The presence of mRNA for K(ATP) channel subunits was determined using real-time RT-PCR with primers specific for Kir6.2, Kir6.1, SUR1, SUR2A and SUR2B. To assess whether functional K(ATP) channels are present in human oocytes, traditional and perforated patch whole cell electrophysiology and immunoprecipitation/western blotting were used. RESULTS: Real-time PCR revealed that mRNA for Kir6.1, Kir6.2, SUR2A and SUR2B, but not SUR1, were present in human oocytes of different stages. Only SUR2B and Kir6.2 mRNAs were detected in GV stage bovine and porcine oocytes. Immunoprecipitation with SUR2 antibody and western blotting with Kir6.1 antibody identified bands corresponding to these subunits in human oocytes. In human oocytes, 2,4-dinitrophenol (400 µM), a metabolic inhibitor known to decrease intracellular ATP and activate K(ATP) channels, increased whole cell K(+) current. On the other hand, K(+) current induced by low intracellular ATP was inhibited by extracellular glibenclamide (30 µM), an oral antidiabetic known to block the opening of K(ATP) channels. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, mammalian oocytes express K(ATP) channels. This opens a new avenue of research into the complex relationship between metabolism and membrane excitability in oocytes under different conditions, including conception.

ATP-sensitive potassium currents in rat primary afferent neurons: biophysical, pharmacological properties, and alterations by painful nerve injury.

ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels may be linked to mechanisms of pain after nerve injury, but remain under-investigated in primary afferents so far. We therefore characterized these channels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, and tested whether they contribute to hyperalgesia after spinal nerve ligation (SNL). We compared K(ATP) channel properties between DRG somata classified by diameter into small or large, and by injury status into neurons from rats that either did or did not become hyperalgesic after SNL, or neurons from control animals. In cell-attached patches, we recorded basal K(ATP) channel opening in all neuronal subpopulations. However, higher open probabilities and longer open times were observed in large compared to small neurons. Following SNL, this channel activity was suppressed only in large neurons from hyperalgesic rats, but not from animals that did not develop hyperalgesia. In contrast, no alterations of channel activity developed in small neurons after axotomy. On the other hand, cell-free recordings showed similar ATP sensitivity, inward rectification and unitary conductance (70-80 pS) between neurons classified by size or injury status. Likewise, pharmacological sensitivity to the K(ATP) channel opener diazoxide, and to the selective blockers glibenclamide and tolbutamide, did not differ between groups. In large neurons, selective inhibition of whole-cell ATP-sensitive potassium channel current (I(K(ATP))) by glibenclamide depolarized resting membrane potential (RMP). The contribution of this current to RMP was also attenuated after painful axotomy. Using specific antibodies, we identified SUR1, SUR2, and Kir6.2 but not Kir6.1 subunits in DRGs. These findings indicate that functional K(ATP) channels are present in normal DRG neurons, wherein they regulate RMP. Alterations of these channels may be involved in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury. Their biophysical and pharmacological properties are preserved even after axotomy, suggesting that K(ATP) channels in primary afferents remain available for therapeutic targeting against established neuropathic pain.

Protective effect of delayed treatment with low-dose glibenclamide in three models of ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ischemia/hypoxia induces de novo expression of the sulfonylurea receptor 1-regulated NC(Ca-ATP) channel. In rodent models of ischemic stroke, early postevent administration of the sulfonylurea, glibenclamide, is highly effective in reducing edema, mortality, and lesion volume, and in patients with diabetes presenting with ischemic stroke, pre-event plus postevent use of sulfonylureas is associated with better neurological outcome. However, the therapeutic window for treatment with glibenclamide has not been studied. METHODS: We examined the effect of low-dose (nonhypoglycemogenic) glibenclamide in 3 rat models of ischemic stroke, all involving proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo): a thromboembolic model, a permanent suture occlusion model, and a temporary suture occlusion model with reperfusion (105 minutes occlusion, 2-day reperfusion). Treatment was started at various times up to 6 hours post-MCAo. Lesion volumes were measured 48 hours post-MCAo using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. RESULTS: Glibenclamide reduced total lesion volume by 53% in the thromboembolic MCAo model at 6 hours, reduced corrected cortical lesion volume by 51% in the permanent MCAo model at 4 hours, and reduced corrected cortical lesion volume by 41% in the temporary MCAo model at 5.75 hours (P<0.05 for all 3). Analysis of pooled data from the permanent MCAo and temporary MCAo series indicated a sigmoidal relationship between hemispheric swelling and corrected cortical lesion volume with the half-maximum cortical lesion volume being observed with 10% hemispheric swelling. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose glibenclamide has a strong beneficial effect on lesion volume and has a highly favorable therapeutic window in several models of ischemic stroke.

Activation of big conductance Ca(2+)-activated K (+) channels (BK) protects the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Activation of the large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (BK) in the cardiac inner mitochondrial membrane has been suggested to protect the heart against ischemic injury. However, these findings are limited by the low selectivity profile and potency of the BK channel activator (NS1619) used. In the present study, we address the cardioprotective role of BK channels using a novel, potent, selective, and chemically unrelated BK channel activator, NS11021. Using electrophysiological recordings of heterologously expressed channels, NS11021 was found to activate BK alpha + beta1 channel complexes, while producing no effect on cardiac K(ATP) channels. The cardioprotective effects of NS11021-induced BK channel activation were studied in isolated, perfused rat hearts subjected to 35 min of global ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion. 3 microM NS11021 applied prior to ischemia or at the onset of reperfusion significantly reduced the infarct size [control: 44.6 +/- 2.0%; NS11021: 11.4 +/- 2.0%; NS11021 at reperfusion: 19.8 +/- 3.3% (p < 0.001 for both treatments compared to control)] and promoted recovery of myocardial performance. Co-administration of the BK-channel inhibitor paxilline (3 microM) antagonized the protective effect. These findings suggest that tissue damage induced by ischemia and reperfusion can be reduced by activation of cardiac BK channels.

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

ATP-dependent potassium (K(ATP)) channels are the target of multiple vasoactive factors and drugs. Changes in the functional role of ATP-dependent (K(ATP)) potassium channels in hypertension are controversial. The aim of the present study was to analyze the possible changes of ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K(ATP)) expression and function during hypertension. For this purpose, we used endothelium-denuded aorta segments from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) to analyze the 1) expression of K(ATP) subunits Kir6.1, Kir6.2 and SUR2B by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, 2) the K(ATP) currents recorded in the whole cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique and 3) the vasodilator response to the K(ATP) channel openers, pinacidil and cromakalim. Kir6.1 and SUR2B were expressed in the medial layer of the aorta from WKY rats and SHR rats, while Kir6.2 was not detected in aorta from either strain. Kir6.1 and SUR2B expression were decreased in hypertension. However, the vasodilator responses of pinacidil and cromakalim were similar in WKY rats and SHR rats. Moreover, pinacidil induced increase in K+ currents was also similar in WKY rats and SHR rats and also similarly inhibited by glybenclamide. Our data demonstrate for the first time direct evidence of decreased aortic Kir6.1/SUR2B subunit expression in hypertension, but preserved functional responses to K(ATP) channel openers.

Role of sulfonylurea receptor type 1 subunits of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Opening of cardiac ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K(ATP) channels) is a well-characterized protective mechanism against ischemia and reperfusion injury. Evidence exists for an involvement of both sarcolemmal and mitochondrial K(ATP) channels in such protection. Classically, cardiac sarcolemmal K(ATP) channels are thought to be composed of Kir6.2 (inward-rectifier potassium channel 6.2) and SUR2A (sulfonylurea receptor type 2A) subunits; however, the evidence is strong that SUR1 (sulfonylurea receptor type 1) subunits are also expressed in the heart and that they may have a functional role. The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine the role of SUR1 in myocardial infarction. METHODS AND RESULTS: We subjected mice lacking SUR1 subunits to in vivo myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Interestingly, the SUR1-null mice were markedly protected against the ischemic insult, displaying a reduced infarct size and preservation of left ventricular function, which suggests a role for this K(ATP) channel subunit in cardiovascular function during conditions of stress. CONCLUSIONS: SUR1 subunits have a high sensitivity toward many sulfonylureas and certain K(ATP) channel-opening drugs. Their potential role during ischemic events should therefore be considered both in the interpretation of experimental data with pharmacological agents and in the clinical arena when the cardiovascular outcome of patients treated with antidiabetic sulfonylureas is being considered.

K(ATP) channel expression and pharmacological in vivo and in vitro studies of the K(ATP) channel blocker PNU-37883A in rat middle meningeal arteries.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dilatation of cerebral and dural arteries causes a throbbing, migraine-like pain, indicating that these structures are involved in migraine. Clinical trials suggest that adenosine 5'-triphosphate-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channel opening may cause migraine by dilatating intracranial arteries, including the middle meningeal artery (MMA). We studied the K(ATP) channel expression profile in rat MMA and examined the potential inhibitory effects of the K(ATP) channel blocker PNU-37883A on K(ATP) channel opener-induced relaxation of the rat MMA, using the three K(ATP) channel openers levcromakalim, pinacidil and P-1075. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: mRNA and protein expression of K(ATP) channel subunits in the rat MMA were studied by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. The in vivo and in vitro effects of the K(ATP) channel drugs on rat MMA were studied in the genuine closed cranial window model and in myograph baths, respectively. KEY RESULTS: Expression studies indicate that inwardly rectifying K(+) (Kir)6.1/sulphonylurea receptor (SUR)2B is the major K(ATP) channel complex in rat MMA. PNU-37883A (0.5 mg kg(-1)) significantly inhibited the in vivo dilatory effect of levcromakalim (0.025 mg kg(-1)), pinacidil (0.38 mg kg(-1)) and P-1075 (0.016 mg kg(-1)) in rat MMA. In vitro PNU-37883A significantly inhibited the dilatory responses of the three K(ATP) channel openers in rat MMA at 10(-7) and 3 x 10(-7) M. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: We suggest that Kir6.1/SUR2B is the major functional K(ATP) channel complex in the rat MMA. Furthermore, we demonstrate the potent in vivo and in vitro blocking potentials of PNU-37883A on K(ATP) channel opener-induced relaxation of the rat MMA.

Chronic candesartan alters expression and activity of NKCC2, NCC, and ENaC in the obese Zucker rat.

The obese Zucker rat reportedly has increased activity of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which conceptually could contribute to elevated salt sensitivity and blood pressure (BP). Our aim was to determine whether there was increased angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT(1)R)-mediated upregulation of expression or activity of the bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter, the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC), and/or the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in obese vs. lean Zucker rats. Male obese and lean Zucker rats (10-wk old) were fed either 1) control chow (1% NaCl) or 2) chow with candesartan (CAN), an AT(1)R antagonist (25 mg/kg.diet) for 14 wk (n = 8/treatment/body type). BP measured by radiotelemetry, was markedly reduced by CAN ( approximately 20-25 mmHg) in both lean and obese rats with no body-type differences. Obese rats had significantly greater net natriuretic response to single injections of hydrochlorothiazide and benzamil, suggesting increased activity of NCC and ENaC, respectively; however, only the response to benzamil was reduced by CAN. CAN led to a significant reduction in whole kidney levels of NCC and gamma-ENaC (70-kDa band) in both lean and obese rats. However, it significantly increased alpha-ENaC and Na-K-2Cl cotransporter levels, and these increases were greater in obese rats. These studies suggest that relatively increased ENaC, but not NCC activity, in obese rats is due to enhanced AT(1)R activity. CAN attenuated the reduction of several renal transporters in the obese rat kidney. Finally, differences in intrarenal AT(1)R activity do not seem directly responsible for BP differences between lean and obese rats.