Endothelial ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channel Protects Against the Development of Hypertension and Atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT: In the endothelium, ATP-sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channels are thought to couple cellular metabolism with membrane excitability, calcium entry, and endothelial mediator release. We hypothesized that endothelial K_ATP channels have a broad role protecting against high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. Endothelial-specific Kir6.1 KO mice (eKO) and eKO mice on an apolipoprotein E KO background were generated (A-eKO) to investigate the role of K_ATP channels in the endothelium. Basal blood pressure was not elevated in eKO mice. However, when challenged with a high-salt diet and the eNOS inhibitor L-NAME, eKO mice became more hypertensive than their littermate controls. In aorta, NO release at least partly contributes to the endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7418932 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature