Expression levels of KATP channel subunits and morphological changes in the mouse liver after exposure to radiation.

Background: ATP sensitive K⁺ (K_ATP) channels are ubiquitously distributed in various of cells and tissues, including the liver. They play a role in the pathogenesis of myocardial and liver ischemia.

Aim: To evaluate the radiation-induced changes in the expression of K_ATP channel subunits in the mouse liver to understand the potential role of K_ATP channels in radiation injury.

Methods: Adult C57BL/6 mice were randomly exposed to γ-rays at 0 Gy (control, n = 2), 0.2 Gy (n = 6), 1 Gy (n = 6), or 5 Gy (n = 6). The livers were removed 3 and 24 h after radiation exposure. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for morphological observation; immunohistochemical staining was applied to determine the expression of K_ATP channel subunits in the liver tissue.

Results: Compared with the control group, the livers exposed to 0.2 Gy γ-ray showed an initial increase in the expression of Kir6.1 at 3 h, followed by recovery at 24 h after exposure. Exposure to a high dose of 5.0 Gy resulted in decreased expression of Kir6.1 and increased expression of SUR2B at 24 h. However, the expression of Kir6.2, SUR1, or SUR2A had no remarkable changes at 3 and 24 h after exposure to any of these doses.

Conclusion: The expression levels of Kir6.1 and SUR2B in mouse liver changed differently in response to different radiation doses, suggesting a potential role for them in radiation-induced liver injury.