Critical contribution of K_V1 channels to the regulation of coronary blood flow

Ion channels in smooth muscle control coronary vascular tone, but the identity of the potassium channels involved requires further investigation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional role of K_V1 channels on porcine coronary blood flow using the selective antagonist correolide. K_V1 channel gene transcripts were found in porcine coronary arteries, with KCNA5 (encoding K_V1.5) being most abundant (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated K_V1.5 protein in the vascular smooth muscle layer of both porcine and human coronary arteries, including microvessels. Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments demonstrated significant correolide-sensitive (1–10 µM) current in coronary smooth muscle. In vivo studies included direct intracoronary infusion of vehicle or correolide into a pressure-clamped left anterior descending artery of healthy swine (n = 5 in each group) with simultaneous measurement of coronary blood flow. Intracoronary correolide (~0.3–3 µM targeted plasma concentration) had no effect on heart rate or systemic pressure, but reduced coronary blood flow in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Dobutamine (0.3–10 µg/kg/min) elicited coronary metabolic vasodilation and intracoronary correolide (3 µM) significantly reduced coronary blood flow at any given level of myocardial oxygen consumption (P < 0.001). Coronary artery occlusions (15 s) elicited reactive hyperemia and correolide (3 µM) reduced the flow volume repayment by approximately 30 % (P < 0.05). Taken together, these data support a major role for K_V1 channels in modulating baseline coronary vascular tone and, perhaps, vasodilation in response to increased metabolism and transient ischemia.