Yan Wang1, Limei Zhao, Xingli Su, Wei Yu, Xiuling Deng. 1. Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an 710061, China.E-mail: wangyan2010@mail.xjtu.edu.cn.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in aorta morphology and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (KCa) channel expression in the diabetic rats. METHODS: A diabetic rat model was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg) after a modified high fat and glucose diet for 8 weeks. Pathological changes in the aorta were observed with HE staining, elastic fiber staining, Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry. Both the mRNA and protein levels of KCa channels in the aorta were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: Early atherosclerotic changes were observed in the aorta wall of the diabetic rats. The mRNA and protein levels of KCa1.1 channel α- and β-subunits were significantly decreased, while the expression of KCa3.1 channels was obviously enhanced in the middle layer of the aorta in the diabetic rats. CONCLUSION: KCa channel switching in smooth muscles may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis in diabetic rats.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in aorta morphology and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (KCa) channel expression in the diabeticrats. METHODS: A diabeticrat model was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg) after a modified high fat and glucose diet for 8 weeks. Pathological changes in the aorta were observed with HE staining, elastic fiber staining, Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry. Both the mRNA and protein levels of KCa channels in the aorta were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: Early atherosclerotic changes were observed in the aorta wall of the diabeticrats. The mRNA and protein levels of KCa1.1 channel α- and β-subunits were significantly decreased, while the expression of KCa3.1 channels was obviously enhanced in the middle layer of the aorta in the diabeticrats. CONCLUSION: KCa channel switching in smooth muscles may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis in diabeticrats.