# Myometrial artery potassium channel activity in intrauterine growth restriction pregnancy

> **NIH NIH R03** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2021 · $77,750

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk of stillbirth and neonatal death. The adverse effects of
being born IUGR extend well beyond the perinatal period, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, among
others, in later life. Currently, no effective strategies exist to prevent or treat IUGR. Our overarching goal is to
determine the role of K+ channels and intracellular Ca2+ in the regulation of myometrial artery vasoreactivity,
both important contributors to uteroplacental perfusion, and, in turn, fetal growth. We expect that two
of
the
most
prevalent
K
+
channels
in
uterine
vasculature,
BK
Ca
and
K
ATP
channels,
will be impaired in IUGR
pregnancy, in association with reduced MA vasorelaxation and fetal growth. To address this goal, we propose
to conduct two integrated scientific aims. In Aim 1, we will determine whether (1) the vasodilatory role of BKCa
and/or KATP channels is diminished in myometrial arteries from IUGR pregnancies compared to uncomplicated
pregnancies; (2) K+ currents mediated by BKCa and/or KATP channels are reduced in myometrial artery smooth
muscle cells from IUGR compared to uncomplicated pregnancies; and (3) IUGR impairs the protein expression
and/or localization of these channels in myometrial arteries and placenta. Aim 2 will address the role of store-
operated Ca2+ entry and intracellular Ca2+ stores in myometrial arteries from IUGR by asking whether
myometrial artery smooth muscle cells from IUGR pregnancies show dysregulated store-operated Ca2+ entry
and/or intracellular Ca2+ stores. Participants will be women with uncomplicated or IUGR pregnancies.
Scientifically, the work proposed is vital to improving our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the
reduced uteroplacental blood flow observed in IUGR pregnancies. Our proposed project also has potentially
important clinical implications; in particular, our study outcomes may identify novel therapeutic targets to treat
or prevent IUGR.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10127263
- **Project number:** 1R03HD101659-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** Ramon A Lorca
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $77,750
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-12-01 → 2022-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10127263

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10127263, Myometrial artery potassium channel activity in intrauterine growth restriction pregnancy (1R03HD101659-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10127263. Licensed CC0.

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