ATP‐sensitive K⁺ channels: Pharmacologic properties, regulation, and therapeutic potential

Essential role of adenosine, adenosine A1 receptors, and ATP-sensitive K+ channels in cerebral ischemic preconditioning.

“…K+ channel openers (KCOs) are compounds that activate ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels (3)(4)(5)(6). KATP channels are present in the brain (7)(8)(9)(10)(11), particularly in hippocampus, and have been associated with the control of neurotransmitter release (12). KCOs prevent ischemia-induced neuronal death and ischemia-induced expression of a variety of genes such as immediate early genes and genes for heat shock protein HSP70, amyloid P-protein precursor, and growth factors [nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)] (13,14).…”

Evidence for the existence of a sulfonylurea-receptor-like protein in plants: Modulation of stomatal movements and guard cell potassium channels by sulfonylureas and potassium channel openers

“…The ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K-ATP), first identified in heart (7), is highly specific for K ϩ and inhibited by micromolar concentration of intracellular ATP. Afterward, K-ATP channels have been characterized in numerous tissues where they serve as metabolic sensors (8). The clinical importance of mutations affecting these proteins (9), cystic fibrosis and non-insulindependent diabetes, has contributed to the development of powerful pharmacological tools.…”

Bimakalim: A Promising KATP Channel Activating Agent

“…A neglected area where future clinical indications for KCOs might be found is congestive heart failure (7,21) or composite endpoints that include also stroke (25) and peripheral vascular disease (7). It is suggested that, only congestive heart failure patients with an ischemic etiology should be considered for such studies and that the vasorelaxant KCOs should be excluded from trials since they may interfere with the effects of ACE inhibitors frequently used by these patients.…”