ObjectiveTo detect the expression and function of Kv1.3 channel in peripheral blood T lymphocytes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, and to explore the possibility of Kv1.3 channel blockers in treating chronic airway inflammation in patients with COPD.MethodsT lymphocytes were isolated from peripheral blood of COPD patients and healthy controls. Then the mRNA and protein levels of Kv1.3 were detected in T cells. The effects of Kv1.3 channel inhibitors ShK on T cell proliferation and the production of interleukin 2 were detected.ResultsThe Kv1.3 level of peripheral blood T lymphocytes in patients with COPD was significantly higher than that of healthy controls. ShK significantly inhibited the proliferation and interleukin 2 production ability of T lymphocytes.ConclusionsKv1.3 may play important roles in inflammation in COPD. Selective blocking of Kv1.3 channels may be one of the future treatment for COPD.
