Effects Of Iptakalim On The Expression Of K_ATP Protein In Cultured Human Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells Induced By Endothelin-1

Objective: To investigate the effects of Iptakalim, a novel ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener(K_ATPCO), on the expression of ATP-sensitive potassium channel(K_ATP)protein in cultured human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells(HPASMCs) induced by endothelin-1(ET-1).Methods: By means of western- blot analysis, the expression of both SUR2B and Kir6.1, subunits of K_ATP protein ,was detected in primary cultured HPASMCs, which were randomly divided into control group, ET-1 group, ET-1+ Iptakalim group, ET-1+ Pinacidil group, ET-1+ Iptakalim+ Glibenclamide group and ET-1+ Pinacidil+ Glibenclamide group.Results: Contrasting with ET-1, Iptakalim could upregulate the SUR2B subunit expression, which could be inhibited by Glibenclamide, a particular ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker. However, there was no significant difference in Kir6.1 subunit expression in each group.Conclusion: Iptakalim, a new potential candidate in the treatment of hypoxia pulmonary hypertension (HPH), plays an important role in it by upregulation of SUR2B subunit expression.