Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel switching in smooth muscle participates in atherosclerosis development in diabetic rats.
- Author:
Yan WANG
1
;
Limei ZHAO
;
Xingli SU
;
Wei YU
;
Xiuling DENG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Animals; Aorta; pathology; Atherosclerosis; pathology; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; pathology; Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; metabolism; Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel alpha Subunits; metabolism; Male; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; metabolism; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- From: Journal of Southern Medical University 2014;34(2):188-192
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes in aorta morphology and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (KCa) channel expression in the diabetic rats.
METHODSA diabetic rat model was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg) after a modified high fat and glucose diet for 8 weeks. Pathological changes in the aorta were observed with HE staining, elastic fiber staining, Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry. Both the mRNA and protein levels of KCa channels in the aorta were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting.
RESULTSEarly atherosclerotic changes were observed in the aorta wall of the diabetic rats. The mRNA and protein levels of KCa1.1 channel α- and β-subunits were significantly decreased, while the expression of KCa3.1 channels was obviously enhanced in the middle layer of the aorta in the diabetic rats.
CONCLUSIONKCa channel switching in smooth muscles may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis in diabetic rats.
