The expression of maxiK channel alpha--subunit during human macrophages differentiating into foam cells.

Objective: To investigate the expression of MaxiK channel alpha-subunit during human monocyte-derived macrophages differentiating into foam cells.

Methods: Human peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from male healthy volunteers by density gradient centrifugation, which, by culture, differentiated further into macrophages as a homogeneous monocyte population. The foam cell model originated from human macrophage was established by incubating macrophages with oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL).