Molecular constituents of maxi K Ca channels in human coronary smooth muscle: predominant α + β subunit complexes

1 Human large‐conductance voltage‐ and calcium‐sensitive K + (maxi K Ca ) channels are composed of at least two subunits: the pore‐forming subunit, α , and a modulatory subunit, β. Expression of the β subunit induces dramatic changes in α subunit function. It increases the apparent Ca 2+ sensitivity and it allows dehydrosoyasaponin I (DHS‐I) to upregulate the channel. 2 The functional coupling of maxi K Ca channel α and β subunits in freshly dissociated human coronary smooth muscle cells was assessed. To distinguish maxi K Ca currents modulated by the β subunit, we examined (a) their apparent Ca 2+ sensitivity, as judged from the voltage necessary to half‐activate the channel ( V 1/2 ), and (b) their activation by DHS‐I. 3 In patches with unitary currents, the majority of channels were half‐activated near –85 mV at 18 μ m Ca 2+ , a value similar to that obtained when the human K Ca channel α (HSLO) and β (HK VCa β) subunits are co‐expressed. A small number of channels half‐activated around 0 mV, suggesting the activity of the α subunit alone. 4 The properties of macroscopic currents were consistent with the view that most pore‐forming α subunits were coupled to β subunits, since the majority of currents had values for V 1/2 near to –90 mV, and currents were potentiated by DHS‐I. 5 We conclude that in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells, most maxi K Ca channels are composed of α and β subunits. The higher Ca 2+ sensitivity of maxi K Ca channels, resulting from their coupling to β subunits, suggests an important role of this channel in regulating coronary tone. Their massive activation by micromolar Ca 2+ concentrations may lead to a large hyperpolarization causing profound changes in coronary blood flow and cardiac function.