Differential expression of potassium ion channel in Hirschsprung's disease

Objective To confirm the differential expression of potassium ion channel between Hirschsprung's disease (HD) and non-HD colorectal tissues by neuronal ion chips polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array and Western blot. Methods A total of 30 patients were definitely diagnosed as HD by case history, anorectal menometry, barium enema radiography and intraoperative biopsy at our hospital during August 2012 and December 2013. Normal and stenotic colonic tissues (1.0 cm×1.0 cm apiece) were harvested after partial colonic removal. PCR Array chips were used for screening the expression differences of K+ channel for 6 random specimens and Western blot for verification. The protein bands were selected by Image-Pro Plus and gray levels calculated. Results The changes of gene expression were significant when the ratio was more than 2 folds. Fifteen channels were screened for differential expression, including 9 voltage-gated potassium channel, 2 large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels, 2 small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels and 2 inward rectifier potassium channels. And Western blot was used for verifying the expression difference in protein level of Maxi K channel together with Kv11.1. Through statistical analysis, the expressions of Maxi K channel and Kv11.1 decreased in HD colorectal tissues. Conclusions The expression of potassium ion channel is down-regulated in HD. Key words: Congenital megacolon; Potassium channel; Chip