Hypercholesterolemia alters vascular functions and gene expression of potassium channels in rat aortic smooth muscle cells

摘要

Hypercholesterolemia damaged the endothelium-dependent vascular function severely, but did not affect the en- dothelium-independent vascular functions; Kir6.2 mRNA expression was upregulated(P < 0.05)and Kir3.1 mR- NA expression was downregulated markedly(P < 0.05) In hypercholesterolemic smooth muscle. Hypercholesterolemia altered the vascular func- Tions and regulated gene expression levels of specific in- Ward rectifier and ATP-sensitive potassium channel sub- Types.