The beta1 subunit of the Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel protects against hypertension

Mark T Nelson; Adrian D Bonev

doi:10.1172/JCI21388

The beta1 subunit of the Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel protects against hypertension

J Clin Invest. 2004 Apr;113(7):955-7. doi: 10.1172/JCI21388.

Authors

Mark T Nelson¹, Adrian D Bonev

Affiliation

¹ Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont, Burlington 05405, USA. Mark.Nelson@uvm.edu

PMID: 15057299
PMCID: PMC379328
DOI: 10.1172/JCI21388

Abstract

Previous animal studies have demonstrated that the loss of the beta(1) subunit of the large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK) channel leads to hypertension. A new study demonstrates that a gain in beta(1) subunit function is associated with protection against diastolic hypertension in humans, underscoring the importance of the beta(1) subunit and the BK channel in the regulation of vascular resistance.

Publication types

Comment

MeSH terms

Humans
Hypertension* / genetics
Hypertension* / metabolism
Hypertension* / prevention & control
Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels
Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated / genetics
Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated / physiology*
Protein Subunits / genetics
Protein Subunits / metabolism
Vascular Resistance* / genetics

Substances

Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels
Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated
Protein Subunits