Angiotensin II reduces the surface abundance of KV1.5 channels in arterial myocytes to stimulate vasoconstriction

Abstract

Several different voltage‐dependent K+ (KV) channel isoforms are expressed in arterial smooth muscle cells (myocytes). Vasoconstrictors inhibit KV currents, but the isoform selectivity and mechanisms involved are unclear. We show that angiotensin II (Ang II), a vasoconstrictor, stimulates degradation of KV1.5, but not KV2.1, channels through a protein kinase C‐ and lysosome‐dependent mechanism, reducing abundance at the surface of mesenteric artery myocytes. The Ang II‐induced decrease in cell surface KV1.5 channels reduces whole‐cell KV1.5 currents and attenuates KV1.5 function in pressurized arteries. We describe a mechanism by which Ang II stimulates protein kinase C‐dependent KV1.5 channel degradation, reducing the abundance of functional channels at the myocyte surface.