Molecular analysis of ATP ‐sensitive K + channel subunits expressed in mouse vas deferens myocytes

Background and Purpose ATP ‐sensitive K + (K ATP ) channels, which are composed of K IR 6.x associated with sulphonylurea receptor (SUR) subunits, have been detected in native smooth muscle cells, but it is currently not known which of these is expressed in mouse vas deferens myocytes. Experimental Approach Pharmacological and electrophysiological properties of K ATP channels in mouse vas deferens myocytes were investigated using patch clamp techniques. Molecular biological analyses were performed to examine the properties of these K ATP channels. Key Results During conventional whole‐cell recording, pinacidil elicited an inward current that was suppressed by glibenclamide, a sulfonylurea agent, and by U ‐37883 A , a selective K IR 6.1 blocker. When 0.3 mM ATP was added to the pipette solution, the peak amplitude of the pinacidil‐induced current was much smaller than that recorded in its absence. When 3 mM UDP , GDP or ADP was included in the pipette solution, an inward current was elicited after establishment of the conventional whole‐cell configuration, with potency order being UDP  >  GDP  >  ADP . These nucleoside diphosphate‐induced inward currents were suppressed by glibenclamide. MCC ‐134, a SUR modulator, induced glibenclamide‐sensitive K ATP currents that were similar to those induced by 100 μM pinacidil. In the cell‐attached configuration, pinacidil activated channels with a conductance similar to that of K IR 6.1. Reverse transcription PCR analysis revealed the expression of K IR 6.1 and SUR2B transcripts and immunohistochemical studies indicated the presence of K IR 6.1 and SUR2B proteins in the myocytes. Conclusions and Implications Our results indicate that native K ATP channels in mouse vas deferens myocytes are a heterocomplex of K IR 6.1 channels and SUR2B subunits.