Involvement of sex hormonal regulation of K+ channels in electrophysiological and contractile functions of muscle tissues.

Sex hormones, such as testosterone, progesterone, and 17ß-estradiol, control various physiological functions. This review focuses on the sex hormonal regulation of K+ channels and the effects of such regulation on electrophysiological and contractile functions of muscles. In the cardiac tissue, testosterone and progesterone shorten action potential, and estrogen lengthens QT interval, a marker of increased risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. We have shown that testosterone and progesterone in physiological concentration activate KCNQ1 channels via membrane-delimited sex hormone receptor/eNOS pathways to shorten the action potential duration. Mitochondrial K+ channels are also involved in the protection of cardiac muscle. Testosterone and 17ß-estradiol directly activate mitochondrial inner membrane K+ channels (Ca2+ activated K+ channel (KCa channel) and ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP channel)) that are involved in ischemic preconditioning and cardiac protection. During pregnancy, uterine blood flow increases to support fetal growth and development. It has been reported that 17ß-estradiol directly activates large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel (BKCa channel) attenuating arterial contraction. Furthermore, 17ß-estradiol increases expression of BKCa channel ß1 subunit which enhances BKCa channel activity by DNA demethylation. These findings are useful for understanding the mechanisms of sex or generation-dependent differences in the physiological and pathological functions of muscles, and the mechanisms of drug actions.