Pregnancy-induced hypertension is associated with down-regulation of Kir6.1 in human myometrium

It is generally accepted that activity of K+ channels maintain resting membrane potential and uterine quiescence during pregnancy, which is, at least in part, mediated by down-regulation of ATP-sensitive K+ (K-ATP) channels. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is associated with pre-term and late pre-term labour. Here, we have used real time RT-PCR to compare mRNA levels of K-ATP channel subunits in PIH parturient and control parturient. We have found that Kir6.1, a pore forming, myometrial K-ATP channel subunit is down-regulated in PIH patients. This could perfectly explain increased rate of pre-term labour in patients suffering from PIH.