Reduced KCNQ4-Encoded Voltage-Dependent Potassium Channel Activity Underlies Impaired β-Adrenoceptor–Mediated Relaxation of Renal Arteries in Hypertension

Abstract

Abstract-KCNQ4-encoded voltage-dependent potassium (Kv7.4) channels are important regulators of vascular tone that are severely compromised in models of hypertension. However, there is no information as to the role of these channels in responses to endogenous vasodilators. We used a molecular knockdown strategy, as well as pharmacological tools, to examine the hypothesis that Kv7.4 channels contribute to ␤-adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilation in the renal vasculature and underlie the vascular deficit in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry confirmed gene and protein expression of KCNQ1, KCNQ3, KCNQ4, KCNQ5, and Kv7.1, Kv7.4, and Kv7.5 in rat renal artery. Isoproterenol produced concentration-dependent relaxation of precontracted renal arteries and increased Kv7 channel currents in isolated smooth muscle cells. Application of the Kv7 blocker linopirdine attenuated isoproterenolinduced relaxation and current. Isoproterenol-induced relaxations were also reduced in arteries incubated with small interference RNAs targeted to KCNQ4 that produced a Ϸ60% decrease in Kv7.4 protein level. Relaxation to isoproterenol and the Kv7 activator S-1 were abolished in arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats, which was associated with Ϸ60% decrease in Kv7.4 abundance. This study provides the first evidence that Kv7 channels contribute to ␤-adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilation in the renal vasculature and that abrogation of Kv7.4 channels is strongly implicated in the impaired ␤-adrenoceptor pathway in spontaneously hypertensive rats. These findings may provide a novel pathogenic link between arterial dysfunction and hypertension. The link between renal dysfunction and primary hypertension is well established, with increased renal artery resistance elevating blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin system 4 and sodium retention. 5 Moreover, it is widely recognized that altered sympathetic effects on the renal artery are strongly implicated in the initiation and perpetuation of the hypertensive state with dysfunction of the ␤-adrenoceptor pathway a dominant feature.6-11 However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that contribute to renal artery vasospasm and decreased ␤-adrenoceptor-mediated dilation. Potassium (K ϩ ) channels regulate resting membrane potential in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and are, thus, key determinants of smooth muscle contractility.12 Recently, our laboratory demonstrated that voltage-gated K ϩ channels encoded by KCNQ4 (Kv7.4) were drastically downregulated in the aorta and mesenteric artery of 2 different models of hypertension, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and angiotensin II perfused mice. 13 If a similar situation occurred in the renal artery, then the associated vasospasm and arterial stenosis would lead to reduced perfusion of the kidney and activation of the renin-angiotensin system. Although KCNQ gene expression and the functional role of Kv7 channels have been established in a number of different vascular beds, [14][15][16][17][18] there...

G-protein βγ subunits are positive regulators of Kv7.4 and native vascular Kv7 channel activity

“…To place our findings in more physiological context we examined the effects of Gβγ subunits in native renal artery smooth muscle cells where Kv7.4 is known to have a physiological role (11). However, in VSM, Kv7.4 channels do not exist in isolation, with Kv7.1 and Kv7.5 also present.…”

“…Physiologically, Kv7.4 channels are important modulators of VSM and have been linked to Gs-coupled vasodilatory responses in rat renal arteries (11). We recorded voltage-dependent currents in rat renal artery smooth muscle cells bathed in paxilline and 4-AP to remove extraneous K + currents and identified the Kv7 component as that sensitive to the Kv7-selective blocker linopirdine (10 μM).…”

“…There are five Kv7 isoforms (Kv7.1-Kv7.5) of which Kv7.1, Kv7.4, and Kv7.5 are consistently expressed within VSM, where the predominant molecular architecture is a Kv7.4/Kv7.5 heterotetramer (2,3). Activation of Kv7 channels produces relaxation of numerous arteries (4)(5)(6)(7)(8), whereas blockade of Kv7 channels results in contraction of vessels at rest (7,(9)(10)(11) or an inhibition of endogenously derived vasorelaxations (2,(11)(12)(13). In addition, molecular reduction of Kv7.4 reduces responses to various Gs-coupled vasodilators in a number of arteries (2,11).…”

“…Activation of Kv7 channels produces relaxation of numerous arteries (4)(5)(6)(7)(8), whereas blockade of Kv7 channels results in contraction of vessels at rest (7,(9)(10)(11) or an inhibition of endogenously derived vasorelaxations (2,(11)(12)(13). In addition, molecular reduction of Kv7.4 reduces responses to various Gs-coupled vasodilators in a number of arteries (2,11). Crucially, Kv7.4 abundance is reduced in various arteries from hypertensive animals (6,11,12) where relaxant responses to endogenous vasodilators are also impaired (11,12).…”

“…In addition, molecular reduction of Kv7.4 reduces responses to various Gs-coupled vasodilators in a number of arteries (2,11). Crucially, Kv7.4 abundance is reduced in various arteries from hypertensive animals (6,11,12) where relaxant responses to endogenous vasodilators are also impaired (11,12). Despite the key role of Kv7.4 channels in the regulation of VSM, and their involvement in mediating Gs-coupled vasodilator responses, the factors that regulate channel activity are poorly understood, and the signals linking Kv7.4 to Gs-receptor activation remain to be elucidated.…”