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Published on: July 3, 2015
Expression levels of KATP channel subunits and morphological changes in the mouse liver after exposure to radiation
Ming Zhou1, Tao-Sheng Li2, Hiroshi Abe3
1Department of Anatomy, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita 010-8543, Japan. m.ming.zhou99@gmail.com.
Background:
ATP sensitive K+ (KATP) channels are ubiquitously distributed in various of cells and tissues, including the liver. They play a role in the pathogenesis of myocardial and liver ischemia.
Aim:
To evaluate the radiation-induced changes in the expression of KATP channel subunits in the mouse liver to understand the potential role of KATP channels in radiation injury.
Methods:
Adult C57BL/6 mice were randomly exposed to γ-rays at 0 Gy (control, n = 2), 0.2 Gy (n = 6), 1 Gy (n = 6), or 5 Gy (n = 6). The livers were removed 3 and 24 h after radiation exposure. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for morphological observation; immunohistochemical staining was applied to determine the expression of KATP channel subunits in the liver tissue.
Results:
Compared with the control group, the livers exposed to 0.2 Gy γ-ray showed an initial increase in the expression of Kir6.1 at 3 h, followed by recovery at 24 h after exposure. Exposure to a high dose of 5.0 Gy resulted in decreased expression of Kir6.1 and increased expression of SUR2B at 24 h. However, the expression of Kir6.2, SUR1, or SUR2A had no remarkable changes at 3 and 24 h after exposure to any of these doses.
Conclusion:
The expression levels of Kir6.1 and SUR2B in mouse liver changed differently in response to different radiation doses, suggesting a potential role for them in radiation-induced liver injury.
Insights
Radiation alters ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel subunits in mouse liver. Kir6.1 and SUR2B expression changes suggest a role in radiation-induced liver injury.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Radiation Biology
Background:
- ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are vital in liver and myocardial cells.
- These channels are implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemia, including liver ischemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate radiation-induced alterations in KATP channel subunit expression in mouse liver.
- To elucidate the potential role of KATP channels in the context of radiation injury.
Main Methods:
- Adult C57BL/6 mice were exposed to varying doses of gamma radiation (0, 0.2, 1, or 5 Gy).
- Liver tissues were collected at 3 and 24 hours post-irradiation.
- Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were employed to assess tissue morphology and KATP channel subunit expression.
Main Results:
- Low-dose (0.2 Gy) radiation initially increased Kir6.1 expression at 3 hours, with recovery by 24 hours.
- High-dose (5.0 Gy) radiation decreased Kir6.1 and increased SUR2B expression at 24 hours.
- Kir6.2, SUR1, and SUR2A expression remained largely unchanged across all doses and time points.
Conclusions:
- Differential expression of Kir6.1 and SUR2B in mouse liver is observed following varying radiation doses.
- These findings suggest a potential involvement of Kir6.1 and SUR2B in the mechanisms of radiation-induced liver injury.
