The article presents a review of data from our own research and data obtained by other authors about the role of intracellular sodium (Nai+) and potassium (Ki+) in transcriptomic changes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) during hypoxia. It was found that acute hypoxia suppressed [K+]o and phenylephrine-induced contractions of aortic rings through voltage-gated as well as by Cai2+- and ATP-sensitive K+ channels; 24-h incubation of VSMC in ischemic conditions resulted in attenuation of ATP content, elevation of [Na+]i and loss of [K+]i. Dissipation of Na+ and K+ gradients in low-Na+, high-K+ medium completely eliminated increment in Fos, Atf3, Ptgs2 and Per2 mRNAs and sharply diminished augmentation of Klf10, Edn1, Nr4a1 and Hes1 expression evoked by hypoxia. All these data suggest that Nai+/Ki+-mediated signaling contribute to transcriptomic changes in VSMC subjected to sustained hypoxia.
Part of the book: Hypoxia and Human Diseases