Functional expression of ERG1 potassium channels in rat alveolar macrophages.

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) play a vital role in lung immunity. The recent studies demonstrated that potassium channels were associated with macrophage functions, such as activation, migration and cytokines secretion. However, less is known regarding the expression and function of ERG channels in AMs. Our study showed that ERG1 channel expressed in rat alveolar macrophage, and the expression level was increased when AMs were stimulated with LPS. Furthermore, blockade of ERG1 channels with E4031 down-regulated the mature of ERG1 protein, inhibited NF-κB translocation into the nucleus, and reduced LPS-stimulated IL-6 and IL-1β secretion. These results imply that ERG1 channels are functionally expressed in rat alveolar macrophages and play an important role in inflammatory response.