hKv1.5 channels play a pivotal role in the functions of human alveolar macrophages

We examined the pharmacological properties, the molecular identity, and the functional roles of hKv1.5 channel in human alveolar macrophage. Some of outward K⁺ current was inhibited by 4-aminopyridine and antisense oligodeoxynucleotides against hKv1.5 mRNA. Consistently, the protein and mRNA expressions of hKv1.5 channel were detected. Furthermore, the phagocytosis and migration of human alveolar macrophages were significantly suppressed when the protein expression of hKv1.5 channel was lowered by the antisense hKv1.5 oligodeoxynucleotides. These results suggest that hKv1.5 channel is expressed in human alveolar macrophages and it plays a role in phagocytosis and migration of the human alveolar macrophage.