PCR-based analysis of voltage-gated K+ channels in vascular smooth muscle

Irregularities in K+ currents form the basis of several cardiovascular dysfunctions, among which are arrhythmias and vasospasms. The developmental regulation of voltage-gated K+ channels, however, has been difficult to study. A novel approach was therefore employed to examine these channels in muscle tissue. Primers for a PCR-based analysis were designed using published nucleic acid sequences for voltage-gated K+ channels. Final selection of the primer pairs was based on the homology present in the S4 and H5 transmembrane domains. A specific band was amplified with these primers using RNA isolated from both rat A10 vascular smooth muscle cells and rat heart tissue.