Peptides derived from high voltage-gated calcium channel β subunit reduce blood pressure in rats

The β subunits of high voltage-gated calcium channels (HGCCs) are essential for optimal channel functions such as channel gating, activation-inactivation kinetics, and trafficking to the membrane. In this study, we report for the first time the potent blood pressure-reducing effects of peptide fragments derived from the β subunits in anesthetized and non-anesthetized rats. Intravenous administration of 16-mer peptide fragments derived from the interacting regions of the β1 [cacb1(344–359)], β2 [cacb2(392–407)], β3 [cacb3(292–307)], and β4 [cacb4(333–348)] subunits with the main α-subunit of HGCC decreased arterial blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner for 5–8 min in anesthetized rats. In contrast, the peptides had no effect on the peak amplitudes of voltage-activated Ca(2+) current upon their intracellular application into the acutely isolated trigeminal ganglion neurons. Further, a single mutated peptide of cacb1(344–359)—cacb1(344–359)(K357R)—showed consistent and potent effects and was crippled by a two-amino acid-truncation at the N-terminal or C-terminal end. By conjugating palmitic acid with the second amino acid (lysine) of cacb1(344–359)(K357R) (named K2-palm), we extended the blood pressure reduction to several hours without losing potency. This prolonged effect on the arterial blood pressure was also observed in non-anesthetized rats. On the other hand, the intrathecal administration of acetylated and amidated cacb1(344–359)(K357R) peptide did not change acute nociceptive responses induced by the intradermal formalin injection in the plantar surface of rat hindpaw. Overall, these findings will be useful for developing antihypertensives.