Potassium channels, the largest group of pore proteins, selectively regulate the
flow of potassium (K+) ions across cell membranes. The activity and
expression of K+ channels are critical for the maintenance of normal
functions in vessels and neurons, and for the regulation of cell differentiation
and maturation. However, their role and expression in stem cells have been
poorly understood. In this study, we isolated perivascular stem cells (PVCs)
from human umbilical cords and investigated the expression patterns of
big-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) and
voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channels using the reverse
transcription polymerase chain reaction. We also examined the effect of high
glucose (HG, 25 mM) on expression levels of BKCa and Kv
channels in PVCs. KCa1.1, KCaβ3,
Kv1.3, Kv3.2, and Kv6.1 were detected in
undifferentiated PVCs. In addition, HG treatment increased the amounts of
BKCaβ3a, BKCaβ4,
Kv1.3, Kv1.6, and Kv6.1 transcripts. These
results suggested that ion channels may have important functions in the growth
and differentiation of PVCs, which could be influenced by HG exposure.