Clinical Importance of the Human Umbilical Artery Potassium Channels

Abstract

Potassium (K+) channels are usually predominant in the membranes of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). These channels play an important role in regulating the membrane potential and vessel contractility—a role that depends on the vascular bed. Thus, the activity of K+ channels represents one of the main mechanisms regulating the vascular tone in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Briefly, the activation of K+ channels in SMC leads to hyperpolarization and vasorelaxation, while its inhibition induces depolarization and consequent vascular contraction. Currently, there are four different types of K+ channels described in SMCs: voltage-dependent K+ (KV) channels, calcium-activated K+ (KCa) channels, inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channels, and 2-pore domain K+ (K2P) channels. Due to the fundamental role of K+ channels in excitable cells, these channels are promising therapeutic targets in clinical practice. Therefore, this review discusses the basic properties of the various types of K+ channels, including structure, cellular mechanisms that regulate their activity, and new advances in the development of activators and blockers of these channels. The vascular functions of these channels will be discussed with a focus on vascular SMCs of the human umbilical artery. Then, the clinical importance of K+ channels in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy, such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, will be explored.

Protective Effects of Allicin on Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats via Hydrogen Sulfide-mediated Regulation of Coronary Arterial Vasomotor Function and Myocardial Calcium Transport

“…The opening of K + channels, which leads to cell membrane hyperpolarization by promoting intracellular K + outflow, is a way to decrease intracellular Ca 2+ concentration and induce vasodilation. To date, four types of K + channels with different activation mechanisms have been identified: these are the K V , K Ca , K ir , and K ATP channels ( Lorigo et al, 2020 ). These channels inhibit the activation of VDCCs on the cell membrane, thus reducing extracellular Ca 2+ influx.…”

Effect of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown Essential Oil on the Human Umbilical Artery

“…K ATP is designed to have the ability to decrease its activity when the intracellular levels of ATP increase. This activity can also be modulated by ATP-independent signaling pathways [ 51 ]. In a study carried out with labdane-302, a diterpene isolated from Xylopia langsdorfian A. St.-Hil.…”

Vasorelaxant effect of monoterpene carvacrol on isolated human umbilical artery

“…Potassium channels have an important role in the regulation of vascular tone of HUAs (Lorigo et al 2020). The functional presence of K v and BK Ca , as well as their involvement in HUA vasoactivity, is well described, while on the other hand, there is not enough information to clearly confirm the existence of K ATP channels in HUA (Sadanaga et al 2002).…”