Similar Enhancement of BKCa Channel Function Despite Different Aerobic Exercise Frequency in Aging Cerebrovascular Myocytes

Abstract

Aerobic exercise showed beneficial influence on cardiovascular systems in aging, and mechanisms underlying vascular adaption remain unclear. Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels play critical roles in regulating cellular excitability and vascular tone. This study determined the effects of aerobic exercise on aging-associated functional changes in BKCa channels in cerebrovascular myocytes, Male Wistar rats aged 20-22 months were randomly assigned to sedentary (O-SED), low training frequency (O-EXL), and high training frequency group (O-EXH). Young rats were used as control. Compared to young rats, whole-cell BKCa current was decreased, and amplitude of spontaneous transient outward currents were reduced. The open probability and Ca2+/voltage sensitivity of single BKCa channel were declined in O-SED, accompanied with a reduction of tamoxifen-induced BKCa activation; the mean open time of BKCa channels was shortened whereas close time was prolonged. Aerobic exercise training markedly alleviated the aging-associated decline independent of training frequency. Exercise three times rather than five times weekly may be a time and cost-saving training volume required to offer beneficial effects to offset the functional declines of BKCa during aging.