Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 3, 2025

Isolation of Intrapulmonary Artery and Smooth Muscle Cells to Investigate Vascular Responses
Published on: June 8, 2022
Irisin Relaxes Rat Trachea via KV Channels, KATP Channels, and BKCa Channels
Sadettin Demirel1, Fadil Ozyener1
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, 16059, Bursa, Turkey.
Background:
This study aimed to investigate the effects of irisin on rat tracheal smooth muscle contraction-relaxation responses and the roles of voltage-gated potassium (KV) channels, ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, and large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels in these effects.
Methods:
Isometric contraction and relaxation responses of tracheal segments were measured using the tissue bath method. Submaximal contractions were induced by ACh (10-5 M) or KCl (60 mM), and then concentration-response curves of irisin (10-9 to 10-6 M) were obtained. For the temporal control, a double-distilled water group was formed. ACh and irisin were added to the baths after tracheal segments were incubated with 4-AP (KV channel blocker), glibenclamide (KATP channel blocker), TEA, and iberiotoxin (BKCa channel blockers) to assess the role of K+ channels. In addition, a vehicle group was performed for the solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
Results:
Irisin exhibited the relaxant effects in tracheal segments precontracted with both ACh and KCl at concentrations of 10-8-10-6 M (p<0.05). Besides, incubations of 4-AP, glibenclamide, TEA, and iberiotoxin significantly inhibited the irisin-mediated relaxation (p<0.05), whereas DMSO incubation did not modulate irisin responses (p>0.05).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the first physiological results on the relaxant effects of irisin in rat trachea were obtained. Our findings demonstrated that irisin mediates concentration-dependent relaxation in rat tracheas. Moreover, the present study reported for the first time that irisin-induced bronchorelaxation is associated with the activity of the K+ channels.
Related Concept Videos
Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open....
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
Sensory...

