Inhibition of BK_Ca channel currents in vascular smooth muscle cells contributes to HBOC-induced vasoconstriction

Abstract

The exact mechanism of hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC)–related vasoactivity is still unclear. This study measured the isometric tension of dog arteries and large conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) channel currents in vascular smooth muscle cells after exposure to HBOC with increasing concentrations. Data indicated that the net tensions of arteries were dramatically elevated and this elevation was more prominent in coronary artery. Moreover, HBOC exhibited inhibitory effect on BK_Ca channel, which is strongly correlated with changes in vascular tension. Collectively, HBOC-induced vasoconstriction in a dose-dependent manner and inhibition of BK_Ca channel is at least partially contributing to this effect.

Keywords::

• BK_Ca channels
• hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier
• patch clamp
• vasoactivity
• vascular smooth muscle cells

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

This study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81100180 and 81471042), the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education (20100181120090), the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program, 2012AA021903), the Science and Technology Support Program of Sichuan Province (2013SZ0059), the Special Foundation for Technology Innovation Program of Sichuan Province (2013ZZ0006), the Major Program of the Clinical High and New Technology of PLA (2010gxjs039) and Research Funds in Chengdu Military Hospital (2011YG-B08 and 2013YG-B028).

Notice of Correction

The version of this article published online ahead of print on 01 Jul 2014 contained an error in the declaration of interest. The grant number “81070117” should have read “81100180 and 81471042”. The error has been corrected for this version.