Homocysteine alters vasoreactivity of human internal mammary artery by affecting the K channel family.

BACKGROUND

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic heart disease. We previously demonstrated that disruption of calcium-activated potassium (K) channel activity is involved in homocysteine-induced dilatory dysfunction of porcine coronary arteries. Recently we reported that the K channel family, including large-, intermediate-, and small-conductance K (BK, IK, and SK) subtypes, are abundantly expressed in human internal mammary artery (IMA). In this study, we further investigated whether homocysteine affects the expression and functionality of the K channel family in this commonly used graft for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

METHODS

Residual IMA segments obtained from patients undergoing CABG were studied in a myograph for the role of K subtypes in both vasorelaxation and vasoconstriction. The expression and distribution of K subtypes were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Both the BK channel activator NS1619 and the IK/SK channel activator NS309 evoked significant IMA relaxation. Homocysteine exposure suppressed NS1619-induced relaxation whereas showed no influence on NS309-induced response. Blockade of BK but not IK and SK subtypes significantly suppressed acetylcholine-induced relaxation and enhanced U46619-induced contraction. Homocysteine compromised the vasodilating activity of the BK subtype in IMA, associated with a lowered protein level of the BK β1-subunit. Homocysteine potentiated the role of IK and SK subtypes in mediating endothelium-dependent relaxation without affecting the expression of these channels.

CONCLUSIONS

Homocysteine reduces the expression of BK β1-subunit and compromises the vasodilating activity of BK channels in IMA. Unlike BK, IK and SK subtypes are unessential for IMA vasoregulation, whereas the loss of BK functionality in hyperhomocysteinemia enhances the role of IK and SK subtypes in mediating endothelial dilator function. Targeting BK channels may form a strategy to improve the postoperative graft performance in CABG patients with hyperhomocysteinemia who receive IMA grafting.