Modulation of Cardiovascular Function in Primary Hypertension in Rat by SKA-31, an Activator of K(Ca)2.x and K(Ca)3.1 Channels

The aim of this study was to investigate the hemodynamic effects of SKA-31, an activator of the small (K(Ca)2.x) and intermediate (K(Ca)3.1) conductance calcium-activated potassium channels, and to evaluate its influence on endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH)-K(Ca)2.3/K(Ca)3.1 type relaxation in isolated endothelium-intact small mesenteric arteries (sMAs) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Functional in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed on SHRs or their normotensive controls, Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). SKA-31 (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) caused a brief decrease in blood pressure and bradycardia in both SHR and WKY rats. In phenylephrine-pre-constricted sMAs of SHRs, SKA-31 (0.01–10 µM)-mediated relaxation was reduced and SKA-31 potentiated acetylcholine-evoked endothelium-dependent relaxation. Endothelium denudation and inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) by the respective inhibitors l-NAME or indomethacin, attenuated SKA-31-mediated vasorelaxation. The inhibition of K(Ca)3.1, K(Ca)2.3, K(IR) and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase by TRAM-34, UCL1684, Ba(2+) and ouabain, respectively, reduced the potency and efficacy of the EDH-response evoked by SKA-31. The mRNA expression of eNOS, prostacyclin synthase, K(Ca)2.3, K(Ca)3.1 and K(IR) were decreased, while Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase expression was increased. Collectively, SKA-31 promoted hypotension and vasodilatation, potentiated agonist-stimulated vasodilation, and maintained K(Ca)2.3/K(Ca)3.1-EDH-response in sMAs of SHR with downstream signaling that involved K(IR) and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase channels. In view of the importance of the dysfunction of endothelium-mediated vasodilatation in the mechanism of hypertension, application of activators of K(Ca)2.3/K(Ca)3.1 channels such as SKA-31 seem to be a promising avenue in pharmacotherapy of hypertension.