Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2026

Exploring Arterial Smooth Muscle Kv7 Potassium Channel Function using Patch Clamp Electrophysiology and Pressure Myography
Published on: September 14, 2012
Hypercholesterolemia alters vascular functions and gene expression of potassium channels in rat aortic smooth muscle
1Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
Aim:
To investigate the effects of hypercholesterolemia on functions of rat aorta and on gene expression of inward rectifier and ATP-sensitive potassium channels in aortic smooth muscle.
Methods:
Rats were treated with high-cholesterol emulsion ig for 2 weeks; the aortic rings with and without endothelium were prepared to examine the aortic contractile and relaxation responses; RT-PCR was used to observe the gene expression of inward rectifier and ATP-sensitive potassium channels.
Results:
Hypercholesterolemia damaged the endothelium-dependent vascular functions severely, but did not affect the endothelium-independent vascular functions; Kir6.2 mRNA expression was upregulated (P < 0.05) and Kir3.1 mRNA expression was downregulated markedly (P < 0.05) in hypercholesterolemic smooth muscle.
Conclusion:
Hypercholesterolemia altered the vascular functions and regulated gene expression levels of specific inward rectifier and ATP-sensitive potassium channel subtypes.
Related Concept Videos
G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
Sensory organs,...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Calcium Channel Blockers
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...

