Role of vascular KATP channels in blood pressure variability after sinoaortic denervation in rats

Aim： To investigate the role of ATP-sensitive potassium （KATP） channels on blood pressure variability （BPV） in sinoaortic denervated （SAD） rats. Methods： SAD was performed on male Sprague-Dawley rats4 weeks before the study, mRNA expression of Kir6.1, Kir6.2 and SUR2 in aorta and mesenteric artery was determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and confirmed at the protein leve using Western blotting and laser confocal immunofiuorescence assays. Concentration-response curves of isolated aortic and mesen- teric arterial rings to adenosine and pinacidil were established. Effects of KATP channel openers and blocker on BPV were examined in conscious SAD rats. Results： Aortic SUR2 expression was significantly greater, while Kir6.1 was lower, in SAD rats than in sham-operated controls. In contrast, in the mesenteric artery both SUR2 and Kir6.1 expression were markedly lower in SAD rats than controls. For both arteries, Kir6.2 expression was indistinguishable between sham-operated and SAD rats. These findings were confirmed at the protein level. Responses of the aorta to both adenosine and pinacidil were enhanced after SAD, while the mesenteric response to adenosine was attenuated. Pinacidil, diazoxide, nicorandil, and glibenclamide significantly decreased BPV. Conclusion： These findings indicate that expression of vascular KATP channels is altered by chronic SAD. These alterations influence vascular reactivity, and may play a role in the increased BPV in chronic SAD rats.