Kv1.3 as an upstream regulator of oxidative stress-mediated neuroinflammation following organic dust exposure in murine in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models

Introduction Inhalation of organic dust from concentrated animal production operations induces inflammation in the brain and respiratory tract. We investigated the role of the potassium channel Kv1.3 in models of organic dust (OD)-induced neuroinflammation. Kv1.3 channels play multifaceted roles in microglial immune modulation, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, and represent a potential therapeutic target. Methods We used in vivo (C57BL/6 mice), in vitro (microglial cell line, and primary microglia), and ex vivo (brain slice culture) models of OD-induced neuroinflammation. Sterile OD extract (ODE) was prepared, and mice were exposed to either normal saline or ODE intranasally for 5 weeks (5 days/week) to simulate an occupational exposure scenario. Primary microglia were isolated from neonatal mice for total RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Results The ODE-induced expression of Kv1.3 was quantified using in vitro and ex vivo models with and without PAP-1 treatment. Exposure-induced changes in cytokines and markers of reactive species were measured. Using western blot, we quantified phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK) and NOX2. We measured microglial Kv1.3 currents using whole-cell patch-clamp. Exposure to ODE increased the expression of Kv1.3 and p-p38 MAPK in mouse microglia without affecting the Kv1.3 currents at the cell surface. Exposure increased the levels of inflammatory cytokines and NOX2. Kv1.3 inhibition with PAP-1 decreased inflammatory markers (TNF-α in BV2 microglia and IL-6 in Brain slice cultures and BV2 microglia), levels of Kv1.3, p-p38 MAPK, NOX2, and nitrites. Conclusion Our study revealed that pharmacological inhibition of Kv1.3 potassium channels reduces ODE-induced neuroinflammation by decreasing inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.