BK ?1 subunit-dependent facilitation of ethanol inhibition of BK current and cerebral artery constriction is mediated by the ?1 transmembrane domain 2.
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Ethanol at concentrations obtained in the circulation during moderate-heavy episodic drinking (30-60 mM) causes cerebral artery constriction in several species, including humans. In rodents, ethanol-induced cerebral artery constriction results from ethanol inhibition of large conductance voltage/Ca2+i -gated K+ (BK) channels in cerebral artery myocytes. Moreover, the smooth muscle-abundant BK ?1 accessory subunit is required for ethanol to inhibit cerebral artery myocyte BK channels under physiological Ca2+i and voltages and thus constrict cerebral arteries. The molecular bases of these ethanol actions remain unknown. Here, we set to identify the BK ?1 region(s) that mediates ethanol-induced inhibition of cerebral artery myocyte BK channels and eventual arterial constriction. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH:We used protein biochemistry, patch-clamp on engineered channel subunits, reversible cDNA permeabilization of KCNMB1 K/O mouse arteries and artery in vitro pressurization. KEY RESULTS:Ethanol inhibition of BK current was facilitated by ?1 but not ?4 subunits. Furthermore, only BK complexes containing ? chimeras with ?1 transmembrane (TM) domains on a ?4 background or with a ?1 TM2 domain on a ?4 background displayed ethanol responses identical to those of BK complexes including wild-type ?1. Moreover, ?1 TM2 itself but not other ? regions were necessary for ethanol-induced cerebral artery constriction. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:BK ?1 TM2 is necessary for this subunit to enable ethanol-induced inhibition of myocyte BK channels and cerebral artery constriction at physiological Ca2+ and voltages. Thus, novel agents that target ?1 TM2 may be considered to counteract ethanol-induced cerebral artery constriction and associated cerebrovascular conditions.
SUBMITTER: Kuntamallappanavar G
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5715978 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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