Role of BK channels in hypertension and potassium secretion

JD Holtzclaw, PR Grimm… - Current opinion in …, 2011 - journals.lww.com
JD Holtzclaw, PR Grimm, SC Sansom
Current opinion in nephrology and hypertension, 2011journals.lww.com
Classical physiological analysis of electrolyte handling in knockout mice has enlightened
our understanding of the mechanism of handling K loads by renal K channels. Studies have
focused on the different roles of BK-α/β1 and BK-α/β4 in the kidney. BKβ1 hypertension may
be a 'three-hit'hypertension, involving a K secretory defect, elevated production of
aldosterone, and increased vascular tone. The disorders observed in BK knockout mice
have shed new insights on the importance of proper renal K handling for maintaining …
Summary
Classical physiological analysis of electrolyte handling in knockout mice has enlightened our understanding of the mechanism of handling K loads by renal K channels. Studies have focused on the different roles of BK-α/β1 and BK-α/β4 in the kidney. BKβ1 hypertension may be a ‘three-hit’hypertension, involving a K secretory defect, elevated production of aldosterone, and increased vascular tone. The disorders observed in BK knockout mice have shed new insights on the importance of proper renal K handling for maintaining volume balance and blood pressure.
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins