Expression levels of K_(ATP)channel subunits and morphological changes in the mouse liver after exposure to radiation

BACKGROUND ATP sensitive K+(K_(ATP))channels are ubiquitously distributed in various of cells and tissues,including the liver.They play a role in the pathogenesis of myocardial and liver ischemia.AIM To evaluate the radiation-induced changes in the expression of K_(ATP)channel subunits in the mouse liver to understand the potential role of K_(ATP)channels in radiation injury.METHODS Adult C57BL/6 mice were randomly exposed toγ-rays at 0 Gy(control,n=2),0.2 Gy(n=6),1 Gy(n=6),or 5 Gy(n=6).The livers were removed 3 and 24 h after radiation exposure.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for morphological observation;immunohistochemical staining was applied to determine the expression of K_(ATP)channel subunits in the liver tissue.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the livers exposed to 0.2 Gyγ-ray showed an initial increase in the expression of Kir6.1 at 3 h,followed by recovery at 24 h after exposure.Exposure to a high dose of 5.0 Gy resulted in decreased expression of Kir6.1 and increased expression of SUR2B at 24 h.However,the expression of Kir6.2,SUR1,or SUR2A had no remarkable changes at 3 and 24 h after exposure to any of these doses.CONCLUSION The expression levels of Kir6.1 and SUR2B in mouse liver changed differently in response to different radiation doses,suggesting a potential role for them in radiation-induced liver injury.

Effects of Mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K^+ Channel on Protein Kinase C Pathway and Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation in Asthma

The effects of ATP-sensitive mitochondrial K + channel(mitoK ATP) on mitochondrial membrane potential(Δψm),cell proliferation and protein kinase C alpha(PKCα) expression in airway smooth muscle cells(ASMCs) were investigated.Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were immunized with saline(controls) or ovalbumin(OVA) with alum(asthma models).ASMCs were cultured from the lung of control and asthma rats.ASMCs were treated with diazoxide(the potent activator of mitoK ATP) or 5-hydroxydencanote(5-HD,the inhibitor of mitoK ATP).Rhodamine-123(R-123) was used to detect Δψm.The expression of PKCα protein was examined by using Western blotting,while PKCα mRNA expression was detected by using real-time PCR.The proliferation of ASMCs was measured by MTT assay and cell cycle analysis.In diazoxide-treated normal ASMCs,the R-123 fluorescence intensity,protein and mRNA levels of PKCα,MTT A values and percentage of cells in S phase were markedly increased as compared with untreated controls.The ratio of G 0 /G 1 cells was decreased(P<0.05) in diazoxide-treated ASMCs from normal rats.However,there were no significant differences between the ASMCs from healthy rats treated with 5-HD and the normal control group.In untreated and diazoxide-treated ASMCs of asthmatic rats,the R-123 fluorescence intensity,protein and mRNA levels of PKCα,MTT A values and the percentage of cells in S phase were increased in comparison to the normal control group.Furthermore,in comparison to ASMCs from asthmatic rats,these values were considerably increased in asthmatic group treated with diazoxide(P<0.05).After exposure to 5-HD for 24 h,these values were decreased as compared with asthma control group(P<0.05).In ASMCs of asthma,the signal transduction pathway of PKCα may be involved in cell proliferation,which is induced by the opening of mitoK ATP and the depolarization of Δψm.

ATP-sensitive potassium channels:novel potential roles in Parkinson's disease

The ATP-sensitive potassium（KATP）channels which extensively distribute in diverse tissues（e.g.vascular smooth muscle,cardiac cells,and pancreas）are well-established for characteristics like vasodilatation,myocardial protection against ischemia,and insulin secretion.The aim of this review is to get insight into the novel roles of KATPchannels in Parkinson＇s disease（PD）,with consideration of the specificities KATPchannels in the central nervous system（CNS）, such as the control of neuronal excitability,action potential,mitochondrial function and neurotransmitter release.

Localization of ATP-sensitive K^+ channel subunits in rat liver

BACKGROUND ATP-sensitive K^+(KATP)channels were originally found in cardiac myocytes by Noma in 1983.KATP channels were formed by potassium ion-passing poreforming subunits(Kir6.1,Kir6.2)and regulatory subunits SUR1,SU2A and SUR2B.A number of cells and tissues have been revealed to contain these channels including hepatocytes,but detailed localization of these subunits in different types of liver cells was still uncertain.AIM To investigate the expression of KATP channel subunits in rat liver and their localization in different cells of the liver.METHODS Rabbit anti-rat SUR1 peptide antibody was raised and purified by antigen immunoaffinity column chromatography.Four of Sprague-Dawley rats were used for liver protein extraction for immunoblot analysis,seven of them were used for immunohistochemistry both for the ABC method and immunofluorescence staining.Four of Wistar rats were used for the isolation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)and Kupffer cells for both primary culture and immunocytochemistry.RESULTS Immunoblot analysis showed that the five kinds of KATP channel subunits,i.e.Kir6.1,Kir6.2,SUR1,SUR2A,and SUR2B,were detected in liver.Immunohistochemical staining showed that Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 were weakly to moderately expressed in parenchymal cells and sinusoidal lining cells,while SUR1,SUR2A,and SUR2B were mainly localized to sinusoidal lining cells,such as HSCs,Kupffer cells,and sinusoidal endothelial cells.Immunoreactivity for SUR2A and SUR2B was expressed in the hepatocyte membrane.Double immunofluorescence staining further showed that the pore-forming subunits Kir6.1 and/or Kir6.2 colocalized with GFAP in rat liver sections and primary cultured HSCs.These KATP channel subunits also colocalized with CD68 in liver sections and primary cultured Kupffer cells.The SUR subunits colocalized with GFAP in liver sections and colocalized with CD68 both in liver sections and primary cultured Kupffer cells.In addition,five KATP channel subunits colocalized with SE-1 in sinusoidal endothelial cells.CONCLUSION Observations from the present study indicated that KATP channel subunits expressed in rat liver and the diversity of KATP channel subunit composition might form different types of KATP channels.This is applicable to hepatocytes,HSCs,various types of Kupffer cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells.

TRPC1与BK-α的表达对大鼠糖尿病肾病的影响

目的 探究瞬时受体电位C1(transient receptor potential channel 1,TRPC1)蛋白和大电导钙离子激活钾通道α亚单位(large conductance Ca^(2+)-activated K^(+)channel α subunit,BK-α)蛋白对大鼠糖尿病肾病(diabetic kidney disease,DKD)的影响。方法 将SD大鼠随机分为对照组(n=15)和模型组(n=15)。利用高脂饲料和链脲佐菌素(streptozocin,STZ)构建DKD模型。采用血糖分析仪检测大鼠血糖变化;采用全自动生化分析仪检测大鼠肾功能水平;HE染色检测肾组织的病理变化以确定造模成功。实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)和蛋白免疫印迹分别检测肾组织TRPC1和BK-α的mRNA和蛋白表达水平;免疫组化检测TRPC1和BK-α的分布和表达情况。结果 模型组大鼠空腹血糖(fasting plasma glucose,FPG)、尿白蛋白排泄率(urinary albumin excretion rates,UAER)、血尿素氮(blood urea nitrogen,BUN)和肌酐(creatinine,Cr)均显著高于对照组(P <0.01);模型组大鼠肾小管内壁细胞出现膨胀现象,部分细胞脱离;可见肾小管发生病变或死亡;此外,在许多肾小管及肾间质区域发现有中性白细胞及其残骸;以上HE染色结果提示,DKD模型复制成功。TRPC1和BK-α在肾小球部位最为丰富,且模型组大鼠肾组织中TRPC1和BK-α的mRNA和蛋白水平都显著高于对照组(P <0.05)。结论 大鼠糖尿病肾病影响TRPC1和BK-α在肾组织中的分布和表达。

Ion channels in neurodevelopment:lessons from the Integrin-KCNB1 channel complex

Ion channels modulate cellular excitability by regulating ionic fluxes across biological membranes.Pathogenic mutations in ion channel genes give rise to epileptic disorders that are among the most frequent neurological diseases affecting millions of individuals worldwide.Epilepsies are trigge red by an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory conductances.However,pathogenic mutations in the same allele can give rise to loss-of-function and/or gain-of-function va riants,all able to trigger epilepsy.Furthermore,certain alleles are associated with brain malformations even in the absence of a clear electrical phenotype.This body of evidence argues that the underlying epileptogenic mechanisms of ion channels are more diverse than originally thought.Studies focusing on ion channels in prenatal cortical development have shed light on this apparent paradox.The picture that emerges is that ion channels play crucial roles in landmark neurodevelopmental processes,including neuronal migration,neurite outgrowth,and synapse formation.Thus,pathogenic channel mutants can not only cause epileptic disorders by alte ring excitability,but further,by inducing morphological and synaptic abnormalities that are initiated during neocortex formation and may persist into the adult brain.

普通烟草外向整流Shaker K^(+)通道NtSKOR1的组织表达分析

外向整流Shaker K^(+)通道SKOR(Stelar K^(+)outward rectifier)是一类定位于植物根部中柱细胞质膜的外向整流Shaker K^(+)通道。为探究普通烟草NtSKOR1的启动子活性和不同时期组织表达情况,克隆该基因上游2439 bp的启动子序列,创制启动子驱动β-葡萄糖苷酸酶基因(GUS)的烟草材料并进行组织化学染色,通过RT-qPCR验证该基因的表达。结果表明NtSKOR1启动子含有光响应、逆境胁迫和激素等相关的顺式作用元件;转ProNtSKOR1::GUS烟草的组织化学染色试验表明:萌发期至子叶展平期未检测到GUS活性;小十字期,在真叶叶脉和茎尖分生组织开始检测到GUS活性;生根期,除茎和叶脉的维管组织外,在根部维管组织也开始检测到明显GUS活性,且活性随烟株生长而逐渐增强;盛花期,主要在烟草的根、茎和叶脉维管组织检测到活性,且上部叶叶脉中的GUS活性高于下部叶叶脉。RT-qPCR与GUS活性检测结果基本一致。综上可知,NtSKOR1主要在烟草小十字期及后续发育阶段的根、茎、叶的维管组织中表达,烟草进入盛花期后,该基因在光合作用较强的上部叶中的表达高于下部叶,推测该基因可能参与烟草K^(+)转运和同化产物协同运输。

筇竹钾离子通道QtSKOR1基因的克隆及表达分析

【目的】外向整流型钾离子通道SKOR(Stelar K+outward rectifier)家族是参与植物钾离子转运和分配的重要通道,且K+在植物生理过程和响应非生物胁迫中有决定性作用。旨在研究外向整流型钾离子通道SKOR在富含钾元素的筇竹(Qiongzhuea tumidinoda)发育及受到盐胁迫过程中的功能。【方法】利用RACE技术从筇竹的幼苗中获得SKOR基因并命名为QtSKOR1(基因号:MT078984),并对其进行生物信息分析及表达特征分析。【结果】QtSKOR1基因开放阅读框(1923 bp)编码了641个氨基酸。QtSKOR1蛋白存在环核苷酸(cNMP)和锚蛋白重复结构域(ANK)属于Shake亚家族,其相对分子质量为157.27 kD,理论等电点为4.94,含有3个跨膜区但不存在信号肽,属于疏水性蛋白。亚细胞定位分析表明QtSKOR1蛋白主要定位于线粒体(30.4%)和细胞质(26.1%)中。同源分析和进化分析显示,QtSKOR1与二穗短柄草(Brachypodium distachyum)和玉米(Zea mays)的同源性较高,分别为89.06%和87.91%。qPCR结果显示,QtSKOR1基因在筇竹所有组织中均有表达,且表达量从高到低依次为叶、根、茎、笋。与对照相比,随着钾胁迫时间的增加,QtSKOR1的表达量在根中显著增加,而在茎叶中显著降低。随着钠胁迫时间的增加,QtSKOR1的表达量在根茎叶中均呈下降趋势。【结论】QtSKOR1基因属于Shake亚家族,均参与了筇竹各个组织特别是叶的钾运输。同时,在钾胁迫下QtSKOR1基因在根中发挥了积极作用。

Effect of G_(αq/11) Protein and ATP-sensitive Potassium Channels on Ischemic Preconditioning in Rat Hearts

Objectives To investigate the effect of Gαq/11 signaling pathway and ATP-sensitive potassium channel ( KATP channel ) on ischemic preconditioning (IPC) protection in rat hearts. Methods Two series of experiments were performed in Wistar rat hearts. In the first series of experiment, ischemic preconditioning was induced by left anterior descending occlusion (three, 5 min episodes separated by 5 min of reperfusion), ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced by 30 min coronary artery occlusion followed by 90 min reperfusion. Hemodynamics, infarct size and scores of ventricular arrhythmias were measured. The expression of Gαq/11 protein in the heart was measured by Western blot analysis in the second series. Results Ischemic preconditioning rats showed decreased infarct size and scores of ventricular arrhythmia vs non-IP control rats. The effect of IPC was significantly attenuated by glibenclamide (1 mg/kg, ip), a nonselective KATP channel inhibitor. IPC caused a significant increase in the expression of Gαq/11 protein. Conclusions Activations of Gαq/11 signal pathway and KATP channel played significant roles in the classical cardioprotection of ischemic precon-ditioning rat heart and might be an important mechanism of signal transduction pathway during the ischemic preconditioning.

PDGFRα^(+)细胞上P2Y1-SK3通路对功能性消化不良大鼠胃肠动力的调控机制

目的探究血小板衍生生长因子受体α^(+)(PDGFRα^(+))细胞上P2Y1-小电导Ca^(2+)激活K^(+)(SK3)通道对功能性消化不良(FD)大鼠胃肠动力的影响。方法将30只SD大鼠随机分为空白组、模型组、P2Y1受体抑制剂(MRS2500)组,每组10只。除空白组外,其余两组采用多因素干预法建立FD大鼠模型。造模成功后抑制剂组予以尾静脉注射P2Y1抑制剂MRS2500,其他组不采取干预措施。处理结束后进行行为学和胃肠动力学检测;用BL-420S生物信号系统采集并分析胃肠生物电信息;取胃窦组织评估病理变化;采用免疫印迹、实时荧光定量PCR技术检测各组大鼠胃窦PDGFRα、C-kit(卡介尔间质细胞特异性指标)、P2Y1和SK3的表达情况;采用免疫荧光法检测胃窦PDGFRα和C-kit、P2Y1、SK3的组织表达和共定位情况;用钙检测试剂盒检测胃窦组织中Ca^(2+)含量变化。结果FD模型建立后,大鼠活动度、体重增长速度和进食量都显著降低,胃肠动力减弱,胃窦内PDGFRα、C-kit、P2Y1和SK3表达水平降低。MRS2500干预后,P2Y1受体抑制剂组大鼠较模型组大鼠体重增长率和进食量升高,胃肠动力减弱情况改善,PDGFRα、P2Y1和SK3表达水平进一步降低,C-kit表达水平升高,Ca^(2+)含量降低。PDGFRα与C-kit在胃窦中不存在共表达,而PDGFRα与P2Y1、SK3共表达。结论长期的饮食和情绪失调会刺激肠神经系统释放抑制性神经递质,这一过程通过PDGFRα^(+)细胞上P2Y1受体引起SK3通道的Ca^(2+)敏感性降低,在多因素刺激诱导的FD模型大鼠胃肠动力障碍中起重要作用。

MODELING AND SIMULATION OF E1784K MUTATION AND SODIUM IONIC CHANNEL DISEASES

In the clinical reports, the E1784K mutation in SCN5A is recognized as a phenotypic overlap between the long QT syndrome （LQT3） and the Brugada syndrome （BrS） in the characteristics of electrocardiograms （ECGs） since the mutation can influence sodium channel functions. However it is still unclear if the E1784K mutation-induced sodium ionic channel alterations account for the overlap at tissue level. Thsu, a detailed computational model is developed to underpin the functional impacts of the E1784K mutation on the action potential （AP）, the effective refractory period （ERP） and the abnormal ECG. Simulation results stlggest＇that the E1784K mutation-induced sodium channel alterations are insufficient to produce the phenotypic overlap between LQT3 and BrS, and the overlap may arise from the complicated effects of the E1784K mutation-induced changes in sodium channel currents with an increase of the transient outward current ITo or a decrease of the L-type calcium current ICaL .

无线信道建模中二分K均值聚类多径分簇算法

为了对无线信道中的多径分量进行合理分簇,提出了一种毫米波信道二分K均值聚类多径分簇方法,解决了传统的K均值聚类分簇方法只能实现局部最优分簇的问题.采用马氏距离(Mahalanobis distance,MD)衡量多径分量距离(multi-path component distance,MCD),以簇分裂和迭代计算的方式对多径进行分簇.采用毫米波室内信道实验测试数据,验证了所提算法的有效性和可行性.结果表明,所提算法比传统K均值聚类分簇方法获得的分簇结果更合理,能将信道中多径参数相似度较高的多径有效且唯一地分配到同一簇.

磁耦合谐振式无线电能传输磁场对海马齿状回区神经元K^(+)通道的影响

目的磁耦合谐振式无线电能传输(magnetically-coupled resonant wireless power transfer,MCR-WPT)具有传输距离较大、传输效率高、穿透性好等优点,为人们生活带来便利的同时其引起的生物电磁效应安全问题备受人们关注。本文通过研究MCR-WPT电磁环境对小鼠海马齿状回(DG)区神经元K^(+)通道特性的影响,为无线电能传输(WPT)技术的发展及其合理开发应用提供实验依据。方法每天对小鼠不间断辐射5 h,持续30 d,对比分析对照组和磁场暴露5 d、15 d、30 d组小鼠的学习记忆能力、海马DG区神经元的瞬时外向K^(+)通道电流(IA)和延迟整流K^(+)通道电流(IK)的变化。结果磁场暴露组瞬时外向K^(+)通道的激活过程受到抑制、延迟整流K^(+)通道的激活特性向去极化方向移动,减少K^(+)的外流,增强了神经兴奋性,但磁场暴露组小鼠行为上无显著性变化。结论长期处于MCR-WPT电磁环境会改变K^(+)通道的电流-电压(I-V)特性和动力学特性,抑制IA和IK,改变神经元动作电位的发放频率,但这些变化并没有引起小鼠学习记忆能力的下降以及认知功能障碍。

Beneficial effects of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K^+ channel opener on liver ischemia/reperfusion injury

AIM: To investigate the effect of diazoxide administration on liver ischemia/reperfusion injury.

K^+channels inhibited by hydrogen peroxide mediate abscisic acid signaling in Vicia guard cells

A number of studies show that environmental stress conditions increase abscisic acid (ABA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in plant cells. Despite this central role of ABA in altering stomatal aperture by regulating guard cell ion transport, little is known concerning the relationship between ABA and H2O2 in signal transduction leading to stomatal movement. Epidermal strip bioassay illustrated that ABA- inhibited stomatal opening and ABA-induced stomatal closure were abolished partly by externally added catalase (CAT) or diphenylene iodonium (DPl), which are a H2O2 scavenger and a NADPH oxidase inhibitor respectively. In contrast, internally added CAT or DPI nearly completely or partly reversed ABA-induced closure in half-stoma. Consistent with these results, whole-cell patch-clamp analysis showed that intracellular application of CAT or DPI partly abolished ABA-inhibited inward K+ current across the plasma membrane of guard cells. H2O2 mimicked ABA to inhibit inward K+ current, an effect which was reversed by the addition of ascorbic acid (Vc) in patch clamping micropipettes. These results suggested that H2O2 mediated ABA-induced stomatal movement by targeting inward K+ channels at plasma membrane.

Inhibitory Effects of Blockage of Intermediate Conductance Ca^(2+) -Activated K^+ Channels on Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

The roles of intermediate conductance Ca2＋-activated K＋ channel （IKCal） in the pathogene- sis of hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） were investigated. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of IKCal protein in 50 HCC and 20 para-carcinoma tissue samples. Real-time PCR was used to detect the transcription level of IKCal mRNA in 13 HCC and 11 para-carcinoma tissue samples. The MTT assay was used to measure the function of IKCal in human HCC cell line HepG2 in vitro. TRAM-34, a specific blocker of IKCal, was used to intervene with the function of IKCal. As compared with para-carcinoma tissue, an over-expression of IKCal protein was detected in HCC tissue samples （P〈0.05）. The mRNA expression level of IKCal in HCC tissues was 2.17 times higher than that in para-carcinoma tissues. The proliferation of HepG2 cells was suppressed by TRAM-34 （0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 pxnol/L） in vitro （P〈0.05）. Our results suggested that IKCal may play a role in the proliferation of human HCC, and IKCal blockers may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.

Nitric oxide activation of a potassium channel (BK_(Ca)) in feline lower esophageal sphincter

AIM:To assess the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the large conductance potassium channel (BKCa) in isolated circular (CM) and sling (SM) muscle cells and muscle strips from the cat lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to determine its regulation of resting tone and relaxation.METHODS:Freshly enzymatically-digested and isolated circular smooth muscle cells were prepared from each LES region.To study outward K + currents,the perforated patch clamp technique was employed.To assess LES resting tone and relaxation,muscle strips were mounted in perfused organ baths.RESULTS:(1) Electrophysiological recordings from isolated cells:(a) CM was more depolarized than SM (-39.7 ± 0.8mV vs-48.1 ± 1.6 mV,P < 0.001),and maximal outward current was similar (27.1 ± 1.5 pA/pF vs 25.7 ± 2.0 pA/pF,P > 0.05);(b) The NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) increased outward currents only in CM (25.9 ± 1.9 to 46.7 ± 4.2 pA/pF,P < 0.001) but not SM (23.2 ± 3.1 to 27.0 ± 3.4 pA/pF,P > 0.05);(c) SNP added in the presence of the BK Ca antagonist iberiotoxin (IbTX) produced no increase in the outward current in CM (17.0 ± 2.8 vs 13.7 ± 2.2,P > 0.05);and (d) L-NNA caused a small insignificant inhibition of outward K + currents in both muscles;and (2) Muscle strip studies:(a) Blockade of the nerves with tetrodotoxin (TTX),or BK Ca with IbTX had no significant effect on resting tone of either muscle;and (b) SNP reduced tone in both muscles,and was unaffected by the presence of TTX or IbTX.CONCLUSION:Exogenous NO activates BK Ca only in CM of the cat.However,as opposed to other species,exogenous NO-induced relaxation is predominantly by a non-BK Ca mechanism,and endogenous NO has minimal effect on resting tone.

HERG K+ channels expression in gastric cancers and analysis of its regulation in tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis

Objective： To investigate the expression of hergl gene in tumor tissues from gastric carcinomas and gastric carcinoma cell lines, and study the relationship between HERG K＋ channel expressions and tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis. Methods： RT-PCR and PCR assays were used to detect the expression of hergl gene in 64 gastric carcinomas and the gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901. Blocking the HERG K＋ channels was used to evaluate their effects on tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis. Results：The statistically significant expression of hergl gene was detected in all the gastric cancers and SGC-7901 cells, but not in normal tissues. The HERG K＋ channel blocker, E-4031, increased the cell population in G0/G1（P 〈 0.05） and the number of apoptotic tumor cells（P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： HERG K＋ channels were expressed in all gastric carcinomas tested and these channels appear to modulate tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel opener protects PC12 cells against hypoxia-induced apoptosis through PI3K/Akt and Bcl-2 signaling pathways

Although previous studies have shown the neuroprotective effects of the adenosine triphosphate （ATP）-sensitive potassium （KATP） channel opener against ischemic neuronal damage, little is known about the mechanisms involved. Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase （PI3K）/v-akt murine thy-moma viral oncogene homolog （Akt） and Bcl-2 are thought to be important factors that mediate neuroprotection. The present study investigated the effects of KATP openers on hypoxia-induced PC12 cell apoptosis, as well as mRNA and protein expression of Akt and Bcl-2. Results demon-strated that pretreatment of PC12 cells with pinacidil, a KATP opener, resulted in decreased PC12 cell apoptosis following hypoxia, as detected by Annexin-V fluorescein isothiocyanate/ propidium iodide double staining flow cytometry. In addition, mRNA and protein expression of phosphorylated Akt （p-Akt） and Bcl-2 increased, as detected by immunofluorescence, Western blot analysis, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The protective effect of this preconditioning was attenuated by glipizide, a selective KATP blocker. These results demonstrate for the first time that the protective mechanisms of KATP openers on PC12 cell apoptosis following hypoxia could result from activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which further activates expression of the downstream Bcl-2 gene.

Involvement of leak K^+ channels in neurological disorders

TWIK-related acid-sensitive K+(TASK) channels give rise to leak K+ currents which influence the resting membrane potential and input resistance. The wide expression of TASK1 and TASK3 channels in the central nervous system suggests that these channels are critically involved in neurological disorders. It has become apparent in the past decade that TASK channels play critical roles for the development of various neurological disorders. In this review, I describe evidence for their roles in ischemia, epilepsy, learning/memory/cognition and apoptosis.