Original Research: Role of phosphodiesterases in modulation of BKCa channels in hypertensive pulmonary arterial smooth muscle

Shu Zhu, Richard E. White, Scott A. Barman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

BKCa channels regulate pulmonary arterial pressure, and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibits BKCa channels, but little is known about PKC-mediated modulation of BKCa channel activity in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle. Studies were carried out to determine mechanisms of PKC modulation of BKCa channel activity in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC) of the fawn-hooded rat (FHR), an animal model of pulmonary hypertension. Forskolin opened BKCa channels in FHR PASMC, which was blocked by PKC activation, and reversed by the phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors IBMX, milrinone, and zaprinast. PDE inhibition also blocked the vasoconstrictor response to PKC activation in FHR pulmonary arteries. These results indicate that PKC inhibits cAMP-induced activation of BKCa channels and causes pulmonary vasoconstriction in hypertensive pulmonary arterial smooth muscle via PDE, which further suggests PDE inhibitors for treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)119-127
Number of pages9
JournalTherapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease
Volume2
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2008

Keywords

  • BKCa channels
  • PKC
  • cAMP
  • phosphodiesterase
  • pulmonary

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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