Role of potassium channels in coronary vasodilation

Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

77 Scopus citations

Abstract

K+ channels in coronary arterial smooth muscle cells (CASMC) determine the resting membrane potential (Em) and serve as targets of endogenous and therapeutic vasodilators. Em in CASMC is in the voltage range for activation of L-type Ca2+ channels; therefore, when K+ channel activity changes, Ca2+ influx and arterial tone change. This is why both Ca2+ channel blockers and K+ channel openers have such profound effects on coronary blood flow; the former directly inhibits Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channels, while the latter indirectly inhibits Ca2+influx by hyperpolarizing Em and reducing Ca2+ channel activity. K+ channels in CASMC play important roles in vasodilation to endothelial, ischemic and metabolic stimuli. The purpose of this article is to review the types of K+ channels expressed in CASMC, discuss the regulation of their activity by physiological mechanisms and examine impairments related to cardiovascular disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)10-22
Number of pages13
JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine
Volume235
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2010

Keywords

  • ATP-dependent K channel
  • Coronary blood flow
  • Coronary vascular smooth muscle
  • Large conductance Ca- and voltage-activated k channel
  • Voltage-gated K channel

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Role of potassium channels in coronary vasodilation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this