RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article T1 Contribution of Kv channels to phenotypic remodeling of human uterine artery smooth muscle cells A1 Miguel Velado, Eduardo A1 Moreno Domínguez, Alejandro A1 Colinas, Olaia A1 Cidad Velasco, María Del Pilar A1 Heras i Fortuny, Maria Magdalena A1 Pérez García, María Teresa A1 López López, José Ramón K1 Potassium channels K1 Canales de potasio K1 Vascular smooth muscle K1 Músculo liso vascular K1 Cell proliferation K1 Proliferación celular AB Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) perform diverse functions that can be classified into contractile and synthetic (or proliferating). All of these functions can be fulfilled by the same cell because of its capacity of phenotypic modulation in response to environmental changes. The resting membrane potential is a key determinant for both contractile and proliferating functions. Here, we have explored the expression of voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channels in contractile (freshly dissociated) and proliferating (cultured) VSMCs obtained from human uterine arteries to establish their contribution to the functional properties of the cells and their possible participation in the phenotypic switch. We have studied the expression pattern (both at the mRNA and at the protein level) of Kvα subunits in both preparations as well as their functional contribution to the K+ currents of VSMCs. Our results indicate that phenotypic remodeling associates with a change in the expression and distribution of Kv channels. Whereas Kv currents in contractile VSMCs are mainly performed by Kv1 channels, Kv3.4 is the principal contributor to K+ currents in cultured VSMCs. Furthermore, selective blockade of Kv3.4 channels resulted in a reduced proliferation rate, suggesting a link between Kv channels expression and phenotypic remodeling. PB American Heart Association SN 1524-4571 YR 2005 FD 2005 LK http://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/44600 UL http://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/44600 LA eng NO Circulation Research, 2005, vol. 97, n. 12. p. 1280-1287 NO Producción Científica DS UVaDOC RD 22-dic-2024