Impairment of IKCa Channels Contributes to Uteroplacental Endothelial Dysfunction in Rat Diabetic Pregnancy

Diabetes mellitus is a common complication of pregnancy associated with increased risks of hypertension and preeclampsia. We identified impaired activity of intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels as an important mechanism of diabetes-induced uterine endothelial dysfunction. Targeting intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels may be a novel therapeutic strategy for improving maternal uterine blood flow in diabetic pregnancies.