The expression and functional evidence for voltage-dependent potassium channel Kv1.3 in lymphocytes during aging in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
OBJECTIVE
Our previous studies showed that expression and functional profile of voltage-dependent potassium channels Kv1.3 were increased in lymphocytes of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared to normotensive rats, suggesting a crucial role for lymphocyte Kv1.3 in the development of hypertension. Here, we further investigated whether the expression and functional profile of Kv1.3 was related to increased blood pressure in SHR with age of 4, 8, 16 and 24 wk.


METHODS
Systolic blood pressure was measured through pressure device around the tail. mRNA and protein expression were assessed by real-time PCR and western blot in lymphocytes of SHR. Current density of Kv channels in lymphocytes was measured by patch-clamp.


RESULTS
Systolic blood pressure was elevated in an age-dependent manner (ANOVA P < 0.05). mRNA and protein level of Kv1.3 were significantly increased in an age-dependent manner in lymphocyte of SHR (ANOVA P < 0.05). Moreover, the current density of Kv was dramatically enhanced in an age-dependent manner (ANOVA P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The systolic blood pressure positively correlated with expression as well as current density of potassium channels in lymphocytes of SHR at age of 8, 16 and 24 wk. In conclusion, Kv1.3 channels were upregulated in an age-dependent manner in SHR and correlates with systolic blood pressure during aging. The present study implies that Kv1.3 blockers may be applied as a therapeutic treatment for the development of hypertension during aging.
Department of Cardiology of The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang, China.
Ling-Peng
LP
Wang
Department of Internal Medicine (VIP) of The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang, China.
Jian
J
Luo
Department of Heart and Renal of The Sixth People's Hospital in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang, China.
Hai-Feng
HF
Hu
Department of Internal Medicine (VIP) of The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang, China.
Li
L
Zhang
Department of Internal Medicine (VIP) of The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang, China.
Ya-Li
YL
Li
Department of Cardiology of The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang, China.
Li-Man
LM
Ai
Department of Internal Medicine (VIP) of The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang, China.
Yu-Ling
YL
Wang
Department of Cardiology of The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang, China.
Yi-Tong
YT
Ma
Department of Cardiology of The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang, China.
Hu-Yati
HY
Mu
Department of Cardiology of The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang, China.
Yue-Mei
YM
Hou
Kv1.3; Spontaneously hypertensive rat; aging; blood pressure; lymphocyte