PMID: 8960816Dec 1, 1996Paper

Potassium channel modulation: a new drug principle for regulation of smooth muscle contractility. Studies on isolated airways and arteries

Danish Medical Bulletin
J E Nielsen-Kudsk

Abstract

K+ channels play a key role in regulation of membrane potential and cell excitability. Several different types of K+ channels have been identified and the presence, characteristics and functions of these channels vary among different tissues. The 3 most important K+ channels in smooth muscle are the KATP (activated by a fall in intracellular ATP and a rise in nucleotide diphosphates and blocked by glibenclamide), BKCa (activated by a rise in intracellular Ca2+) and Kv (activated by depolarization). Cromakalim, pinacidil and nicorandil are members of a rapidly increasing group of novel drugs which open K+ channels. Opening of such channels leads to K+ efflux, membrane hyperpolarization, reduced excitability and smooth muscle relaxation. The purpose of the studies included in this thesis was to investigate this novel drug principle of K+ channel modulation on smooth muscle contractility of isolated airways and arteries and on neuroeffector transmission in airways. Smooth muscle contractility was measured in airway and vascular ring preparations suspended in isometric myographs. Neurotransmitter release was elicited by transmural electrical field stimulation. The major findings were: 1) Membrane depolarization by high extracellula...Continue Reading

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