High glucose impairs voltage-gated K(+) channel current in rat small coronary arteries

Hyperglycemia is associated with impaired endothelium-dependent dilation that is due to quenching of NO by superoxide (O(2)(. -)). In small coronary arteries (CAs), dilation depends more on smooth muscle hyperpolarization, such as that mediated by voltage-gated K(+) (Kv) channels. We determined whether high glucose enhances O(2)(.-) production and reduces microvascular Kv channel current and functional responses. CAs from Sprague-Dawley rats were incubated 24 hours in medium containing either normal glucose (NG, 5.5 mmol/L D-glucose), high glucose (HG, 23 mmol/L D-glucose), or L-glucose (LG, 5.5 mmol/L D-glucose and 17 mmol/L L-glucose). O(2)(.-) production was increased in HG arteries. Whole-cell patch clamping showed a reduction of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-sensitive current (Kv current) from smooth muscle cells of HG CAs versus NG CAs or versus LG CAs (peak density was 9.95+/-5.3 pA/pF for HG versus 27.8+/-6.8 pA/pF for NG and 28.5+/-5.2 pA/pF for LG; P<0.05). O(2)(.-) generation (xanthine+xanthine oxidase) decreased K(+) current density, with no further reduction by 4-AP. Partial restoration was observed with superoxide dismutase and catalase. Constriction to 3 mmol/L 4-AP was reduced in vessels exposed to HG (13+/-5%, P<0.05) versus NG (30+/-7%) or LG (34+/-4%). Responses to KCl and nifedipine were not different among groups. Superoxide dismutase and catalase increased contraction to 4-AP in HG CAs. This is the first direct evidence that exposure of CAs to HG impairs Kv channel activity. We speculate that this O(2)(.-)-induced impairment may reduce vasodilator responsiveness in the coronary circulation of subjects with coronary disease or its risk factors.