Kv7 channel activation reduces brain endothelial cell permeability and prevents kainic acid-induced blood-brain barrier damage
C. Celentano, Lidia Carotenuto, Francesco Miceli, Giusy Carleo, Brunella Corrado, Giulia Baroli, Stefania Iervolino, Raffaele Vecchione, Maurizio Taglialatela, Vincenzo Barrese
Abstract
This study describes for the first time the expression and the functional role of Kv7 potassium channels in the blood-brain barrier. We show that the opening of Kv7 channels reduces endothelial cell permeability both in physiological and pathological conditions via the hyperpolarization of cell membrane and the sealing of tight junctions. Therefore, activation of endothelial Kv7 channels might be a useful strategy to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders characterized by blood-brain barrier dysfunction.
Topics & Concepts
Kainic acidBlood–brain barrierPermeability (electromagnetism)Endothelial stem cellChemistryBrain damageNeuroscienceCell biologyBiophysicsBiologyBiochemistryCentral nervous systemIn vitroMembraneGlutamate receptorReceptorBarrier Structure and Function StudiesNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchIon Transport and Channel Regulation