Endothelial IK and SK channel activation decreases pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension

Endothelial cells (ECs) from small pulmonary arteries (PAs) release nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin, which lower pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP). In pulmonary hypertension (PH), the levels of endothelium‐derived NO and prostacyclin are reduced, contributing to elevated PAP. Small‐and intermediate‐conductance Ca(2+)‐activated K(+) channels (IK and SK)—additional crucial endothelial mediators of vasodilation—are also present in small PAs, but their function has not been investigated in PH. We hypothesized that endothelial IK and SK channels can be targeted to lower PAP in PH. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp experiments showed functional IK and SK channels in ECs, but not smooth muscle cells, from small PAs. Using a SU5416 plus chronic hypoxia (Su + CH) mouse model of PH, we found that currents through EC IK and SK channels were unchanged compared with those from normal mice. Moreover, IK/SK channel‐mediated dilation of small PAs was preserved in Su + CH mice. Consistent with previous reports, endothelial NO levels and NO‐mediated dilation were reduced in small PAs from Su + CH mice. Notably, acute treatment with IK/SK channel activators decreased PAP in Su + CH mice but not in normal mice. Further, chronic activation of IK/SK channels decreased PA remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy, which are pathological hallmarks of PH, in Su + CH mice. Collectively, our data provide the first evidence that, unlike endothelial NO release, IK/SK channel activity is not altered in PH. Our results also demonstrate proof of principle that IK/SK channel activation can be used as a strategy for lowering PAP in PH.