Original Article

Altered ATP-sensitive potassium channels may underscore obesity-triggered increase in blood pressure

Li-hong Fan, Hong-yan Tian, Ai-qun Ma, Zhi Hu, Jian-hua Huo, Yong-xiao Cao

Abstract

Aim: To determine whether ATP-sensitive potassium channels are altered in VSMC from arotas and mesenteric arteries of obese rat, and their association with obesity-triggered increase in blood pressure.
Methods: Obesity was induced by 24 weeks of high-fat diet feeding in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Control rats were fed with standard laboratory rat chow. Blood pressure and body weight of these rats were measured every 4 weeks. At the end of 24 weeks, KATP channel-mediated relaxation responses in the aortas and mesenteric arteries, KATP channel current, and gene expression were examined, respectively.
Results: Blood pressure and body weight were increased in rats fed with high-fat diet. KATP channel-mediated relaxation responses, currents, and KATP expression in VSMC of both aortas and mesenteric arteries were inhibited in these rats.
Conclusion: Altered ATP-sensitive potassium channels in obese rats may underscore obesity-triggered increase in blood pressure.
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