Effect of Adenosine Triphosphate-Sensitive Potassium Channel Inhibitors on Coronary Metabolic Vasodilation

• Published in: Trends in cardiovascular medicine Vol. 17; no. 2; pp. 63 - 68
• Main Authors: Farouque, H.M. Omar, Meredith, Ian T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.02.2007; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Adenosine triphosphatase; Adenosine Triphosphate - physiology; Angioplasty; Animals; Cardiovascular; Cardiovascular disease; Coronary Disease - drug therapy; Coronary Disease - physiopathology; Coronary Vessels - drug effects; Coronary Vessels - physiology; Coronary Vessels - physiopathology; Diabetes; Heart attacks; Humans; Ischemia; Metabolism; Metabolites; Mortality; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular - drug effects; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular - physiology; Nitric oxide; Potassium; Potassium Channel Blockers - pharmacology; Potassium Channels - physiology; Rodents; Smooth muscle; Studies; Vasodilation - drug effects; Vasodilation - physiology
• ISSN: 1050-1738; 1873-2615
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2006.12.003

The ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP ) channel is a distinct type of potassium ion channel that is found in the vascular smooth muscle cells of a variety of mammalian species, including humans. The activity of KATP channels is determined by many factors including cellular ATP and ADP levels, thus providing a link between cellular metabolism and vascular tone through its effects on membrane potential. Experimental studies using inhibitors of KATP channels, such as the sulfonuylurea class of drugs, indicate that these channels modulate coronary vascular tone including the hyperaemia induced by increased myocardial metabolism. This review examines the evidence linking KATP channels to the regulation of coronary vascular tone and the potential clinical implications of pharmacologic therapies that act on KATP channels.