Treatment with the Kv7 potassium channel activator flupirtine is beneficial in two independent mouse models of pulmonary hypertension.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Voltage-gated potassium (K(v)) channels contribute to resting membrane potential in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and are down regulated in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and a contribution from K(v)7 channels has been recently proposed. We investigated the effect of the K(v)7 channel activator, flupirtine, on PAH in two independent mouse models: PAH induced by hypoxia and spontaneous PAH in mice over-expressing the 5-HT transporter (SERT(+) mice).

Experimental approach

Right ventricular pressure was assessed in vivo in mice chronically treated with flupirtine (30 mg.kg(-1).day(-1)). In separate in vitro experiments, pulmonary arteries from untreated mice were mounted in a wire myograph. Relaxations to acute administration o

SUBMITTER: Morecroft I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2743843 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature