A KCa 2.2/2.3 opener reverses ET-1 induced NLRP3 activation in hypertensive mice

Membrane depolarization is implicated in the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Downregulation of endothelial Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels type 2.3 (K_Ca 2.3) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) upregulation in the corpus cavernosum (CC) are associated with erectile dysfunction. We hypothesized that opening K_Ca 2.2/2.3 channels could reverse erectile dysfunction and NLRP3 activation in hypertensive DOCA/salt mice. Methods: Hypertension was induced in mice using a DOCA/salt model, with unilaterally nephrectomized mice as controls; blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff. Intracavernous pressure (ICP) and CC reactivity were assessed. Western blot analysis for K_Ca 2.3, caspase-1, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was performed. Endothelial cells from erectile tissue were isolated and stimulated with ET-1, and K_Ca 2.2/2.3-dependent currents were evaluated via voltage-clamp electrophysiology. Results: DOCA/salt mice exhibited impaired erectile function, increased pro-caspase-1 and caspase-1 expression, and reduced relaxations induced by acetylcholine (ACh), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and electrical field stimulation (EFS). Treatment with either the endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan or the K_Ca 2.2/2.3 channel opener NS13001 reversed these dysfunctions and reduced ET-1-induced NLRP3 activation in DOCA/salt mice. NS13001 also restored the decreased current observed in primary endothelial cells exposed to ET-1. Apamin, a K_Ca 2.2/2.3 channel blocker, inhibited erectile responses in unilaterally nephrectomized mice and restored erectile responses in DOCA mice. Apamin did not affect EFS-, ACh-, or SNP-induced relaxation in CC from hypertensive DOCA/salt mice. Conclusion: NS13001 reversed ET-1-induced NLRP3 activation and erectile dysfunction in DOCA/salt mice, suggesting that K_Ca 2.2/2.3 channel modulation may restore erectile function in hypertension-related diseases.