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(Circulation Research. 2005;96:e58.)
© 2005 American Heart Association, Inc.

Letter to the Editor

Regulation of Arterial Tone by K_V1 Potassium Channels

David J. Beech, Alex Cheong

School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, UK

Nancy J. Rusch

Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock

An extract of the first 250 words of the full text is provided, because this article has no abstract.

To the Editor:

We have read with interest the recent article published by Circulation Research entitled "Heteromultimeric Kv1 Channels Contribute to Myogenic Control of Arterial Diameter."¹ The study adds to an expanding body of evidence suggesting pivotal roles of the voltage-gated potassium channels (K_V channels) in vascular smooth muscle cells as regulators of arterial tone. Nevertheless, we feel it is necessary to point out some issues relating to representation of the literature by Plane et al.

A general sentiment conveyed by Plane et al is "This study indicates for the first time the importance of K_DR [delayed rectifier potassium] channels composed of K_V1 subunits to normal function of arterial resistance vessels via controlling their role in myogenic reactivity." However, although appropriate references are cited, it is not made apparent to the reader that this concept has been documented previously. For example, Cheong et al² showed that murine pial arterioles express K_V1 proteins in the smooth muscle cells and that the recombinant toxins agitoxin-2 and margatoxin (highly-specific K_V1 blockers) cause vasoconstriction. Also, K_V1 proteins were shown in smooth muscle cells of rabbit pial arterioles, and correolide, a K_V1-specific blocker (also central to the work of Plane et al), caused vasoconstriction.³ This study included recording of the K_DR potassium current, showing its block by correolide, and demonstrating specificity of correolide by heterologous expression studies. Finally, Albarwani et al⁴ found that rat small cerebral arteries express K_V1 proteins in the smooth muscle cells and that correolide inhibits . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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