Abstract
The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is a significant modulator of arterial contractility and blood flow. The GPER-specific activator, G-1, has been widely used to characterize GPER function in a variety of tissue types. Large conductance, calcium (Ca2+)-activated K+ (BK) channels are sensitive to 17β-estradiol (17β-E2) and estrogenic compounds (e.g., tamoxifen, ICI 182 780) that target estrogen receptors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of G-1 on BK channel activation and function in cerebral arterial myocytes. Inside-out and perforated patch clamp were utilized to assess the effects of G-1 (50 nmol·L-1-5 μmol·L-1) on BK channel activation and currents in cerebral arterial myocytes. Pressurized artery myography was used to investigate the effects of G-1 on vasodilatory response and BK channel function of cerebral resistance size arteries. G-1 reduced BK channel activation in cerebral arterial myocytes through elevations in BK channel mean close times. Depressed BK channel activation following G-1 application resulted in attenuated physiological BK currents (transient BK currents). G-1 elicited vasodilation, but reduced BK channel function, in pressurized, endothelium-denuded cerebral arteries. These data suggest that G-1 directly suppresses BK channel activation and currents in cerebral arterial myocytes, BK channels being critically important in the regulation of myocyte membrane potential and arterial contractility. Thus, GPER-mediated vasodilation using G-1 to activate the receptor may underestimate the physiological function and relevance of GPER in the cardiovascular system.