Downregulation of Ca-Activated Cl Channel TMEM16A Mediated by Angiotensin II in Cirrhotic Portal Hypertensive Mice.

Portal hypertension is defined as an increased pressure in the portal venous system and occurs as a major complication in chronic liver diseases. The pathological mechanism underlying the pathogenesis and development of portal hypertension has been extensively investigated. Vascular tone of portal vein smooth muscles (PVSMs) is regulated by the activities of several ion channels, including Ca-activated Cl (Cl) channels.

Involvement of TREK1 channels in the proliferation of human hepatic stellate LX-2 cells.

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) causes hepatic fibrosis and results in chronic liver diseases. Although activated HSC functions are facilitated by an increase in the cytosolic Ca concentration ([Ca]), the pathophysiological roles of ion channels are largely unknown. In the present study, functional analyses of the two-pore domain K (K) channels, which regulate the resting membrane potential and [Ca], were performed using the human HSC line, LX-2.