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

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2008

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. © SAGE Publications 2008.

Publication Title

Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease

Volume

2

Issue

3

First Page

119

Last Page

127

Comments

This article was published in Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease, Volume 2, Issue 3, Pages 119-127.

The published version is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1753465808091327.

Copyright © 2008 Sage.

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