Celecoxib blocks cardiac Kv1.5, Kv4.3 and Kv7.1 (KCNQ1) channels: Effects on cardiac action potentials

Celecoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor that has been related to an increased cardiovascular risk and that exerts several actions on different targets. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of this drug on human cardiac voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv) involved on cardiac repolarization Kv1.5 (IKur), Kv4.3 + KChIP2 (Ito1) and Kv7.1 + KCNE1 (IKs) and to compare with another COX-2 inhibitor, rofecoxib. Currents were recorded in transfected mammalian cells by whole-cell patch-clamp. Celecoxib blocked all the Kv channels analyzed and rofecoxib was always less potent, except on Kv4.3 + KChIP2 channels. Kv1.5 block increased in the voltage range of channel activation, decreasing at potentials positive to 0 mV. The drug modified the activation curve of the channels that became biphasic. Block was frequency-dependent, increasing at fastest frequencies. Celecoxib effects were not altered by TEAout in R487Y mutant Kv1.5 channels but the kinetics of block were slower and the degree of block was smaller with TEAin, indicating that celecoxib acts from the cytosolic side. We confirmed the blocking properties of celecoxib on native Kv currents from rat vascular cells, where Kv1.5 are the main contributors (IC50 ≈ 7 μM). Finally, we demonstrate that celecoxib prolongs the action potential duration in mouse cardiac myocytes and shortens it in guinea pig cardiac myocytes, suggesting that Kv block induced by celecoxib may be of clinical relevance.

Research Highlights
► Celecoxib blocks Kv1.5 channels (IKur) independently of COX-2 inhibition.
► Celecoxib blocks Kv4.3 + KChIP2 (Ito1) and Kv7.1 + KCNE1 (IKs) channels.
► Celecoxib might influence myocardial repolarization via its inhibitory effects on Kv channels.