title: [Potassium channel openers. A new possible therapeutic principle in several diseases].
abstract: Potassium channels are ion channels in the cell membrane which are especially important for regulation of the membrane potential and the cell's excitability. Potassium channel openers are drugs that interfere with these channels, and several such substances have been developed. Existing substances show highest affinity to vascular smooth muscle. The clinical effect is relaxation of blood vessels resulting in lower blood pressure. However, current efforts are concentrated on finding substances which are selective for other cell types. Possible areas of application are treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, arrhythmias, asthma and urinary bladder instability.
authors.affiliation: International Cardiological Institute for Therapeutic Research (ICIT), Oslo.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Drottning
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Storstein
mesh_terms: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001578:Benzopyrans / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019806:Cromakalim; D006146:Guanidines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008914:Minoxidil / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009536:Niacinamide / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020108:Nicorandil; D020110:Pinacidil; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000187:drug effects*; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D001578:Benzopyrans; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D006146:Guanidines; D015221:Potassium Channels; D011758:Pyrroles; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D019806:Cromakalim; D009536:Niacinamide; D020108:Nicorandil; C039516:minoxidil sulfate ester; D008914:Minoxidil; D020110:Pinacidil
vernacular_title: Medikamenter som åpner kaliumkanaler. Et nytt mulig behandlingsprinsipp ved flere sykdommer.