Abstract:

Objective  To investigate the effects of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) on the expression of Kir6.2 and SUR1 subunits of ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) in the primary cultured cortical and hippocampal cholinergic neurons induced by Aβ1-42, and to explore the potential role of NF-κB. Methods  It was divided into the control group, Aβ1-42 group, Aβ1-42+SN50 group and SN50 group. Cortical and hippocampal cholinergic neurons of rats were cultured with the primary cell culture methods. The expressive changes of Kir6.2/SUR1 subunits of KATP and p65 of NF-κB were detected by Western blotting. Results  Compared with the control group, the p65 subunit of NF-κB and Kir6.2/SUR1 subunits of KATP were significantly increased in the Aβ1-42 group (all P<0.05); compared with the Aβ1-42 group, the Kir6.2/SUR1 subunits of KATP were significantly reduced in the Aβ1-42+SN50 group (P<0.05). Conclusion  NF-κB signal pathway plays a protective role in increasing the expression of Kir6.2 and SUR1 subunits of KATP induced by Aβ1-42.

Key words:  Cholinergic neurons; Beta-amyloid peptide; ATP-sensitive potassium channel; Nuclear transcription factor-κB