Authors: Laura A McCallum Iain A Greenwood Rachel M Tribe
Publish Date: 2008/08/16
Volume: 457, Issue: 5, Pages: 1111-
Abstract
This study represents an extensive characterisation of the expression and functional impact of KCNQ and KCNE accessory subunits in a murine uterus using a combination of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction Western blot analysis patch clamp electrophysiology and isometric tension recording The use of uterine tissue throughout the oestrous cycle provided a physiological model with which to assess hormonal regulation of these genes Messenger ribonucleic acid for all KCNQ genes were detected throughout the oestrous cycle with the KCNQ1 message predominant KCNE isoforms were detected at each stage of the cycle KCNE4 was the most abundant p 00001 and KCNQ1 KCNQ5 and KCNE1 were upregulated in metestrous p 00001 The Kv7 channel inhibitor XE991 reduced outward K+ currents and significantly increased spontaneous myometrial contractions p 005 whereas retigabine Kv7 activator significantly relaxed uterine tissues p 0001 These data are the first to characterise KCNQ and KCNE gene expression in a cell type outside of neurons and the cardiovascular systemThe authors thank Dr M Schwake University of Kiel Dr Ohya Nagoya City University and Dr S Yeung St George’s London for their help with the initial primer design Dr W Sones St George’s for help with the electrophysiology Lawrence Murphy Corbett Research and Dr David Sugden for their technical advice and support regarding realtime RTPCR and The BSU at St Thomas’ Hospital for their assistance and support with animal handling This study was funded by Tommy’s the Baby Charity registered charity no 1060508 and KCL School of Medicine
Keywords: