The ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channel Subunit, Kir6.1, in Vascular Smooth Muscle Plays a Major Role in Blood Pressure Control

ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K-ATP) regulate a range of biological activities by coupling membrane excitability to the cellular metabolic state. In particular, it has been proposed that K-ATP channels and specifically, the channel subunits Kir6.1 and SUR2B, play an important role in the regulation of vascular tone. However, recent experiments have suggested that K-ATP channels outside the vascular smooth muscle compartment are the key determinant of the observed behavior. Thus, we address the importance of the vascular smooth muscle K-ATP channel, using a novel murine model in which it is possible to conditionally delete the Kir6.1 subunit. Using a combination of molecular, electrophysiological, in vitro, and in vivo techniques, we confirmed the absence of Kir6.1 and K-ATP currents and responses specifically in smooth muscle. Mice with conditional deletion of Kir6.1 showed no obvious arrhythmic phenotype even after provocation with ergonovine. However, these mice were hypertensive and vascular smooth muscle cells failed to respond to vasodilators in a normal fashion. Thus, Kir6.1 underlies the vascular smooth muscle K-ATP channel and has a key role in vascular reactivity and blood pressure control.