Role of AGEs in impaired K_v channels-mediated coronary vasodilation in diabetic rats.

<p>Control and Diabetic rats were treated with aminoguanidine (AG) or vehicle for 10 weeks. Rat small coronary arteries (RSCAs) were isolated from different rat groups. A: K_v current density in vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from different rat groups. <i>n</i> = 6 for independent cells in each group. B and C: Expression of K_v1.2 and K_v1.5 at the gene and protein level was evaluated by quantitative real-time-PCR (B) and western blot analysis (C). D: Dose-dependent dilation to forskolin in RSCAs was measured using a pressurized myograph. E: After incubation of RSCAs with 3 mmol/L K_v inhibitor 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) for 20 min, dilations to forskolin in all rat groups were significantly reduced. K_v channels-mediated vasodilation was defined as the difference between dilations measured before and after incubation with 4-AP. <i>n</i> = 8 for independent arterial rings in each group. * <i>P</i> < 0.05 <i>vs</i>. Control. # <i>P</i> < 0.05 <i>vs</i>. diabetic group (DM).