M2 muscarinic receptor-dependent contractions of airway smooth muscle are mediated by inhibition of Kv7 channels

American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology 2026

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Authors: Srijit Ghosh, Kaneez E Rabab, Mark A. Hollywood, Keith D. Thornbury, Gerard P. Sergeant
DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00752.2025
Cited by: 0
References: 56

Abstract

Cholinergic tone is elevated in airway smooth muscle (ASM) of patients with COPD and asthma. Here, we report that M2R-dependent contractions of ASM were inhibited by activators of Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 channels. The cholinergic agonist, carbachol (CCh), suppressed Kv7 currents recorded from HEK293 cells co-expressing M2Rs and Kv7.4 or Kv7.5. These data suggest that the bronchoconstrictor effects of ACh involve M2R-mediated inhibition of Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 channels.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Ion channel regulation and function Adenosine and Purinergic Signaling Asthma and respiratory diseases

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology
Volume
330
Issue
4
Pages
C926–C942
Publication date
5 March 2026
Language
EN