title: Potassium channel activation: a potential therapeutic approach?
abstract: The physiological role of K+ channel opening by endogenous substances (e.g., neurotransmitters and hormones) is a recognised inhibitory mechanism. Thus, the identification of novel synthetic molecules that 'directly' open K+ channels has led to a new direction in the pharmacology of ion channels. The existence of many different subtypes of K+ channels has been an impetus in the search for new molecules demonstrating channel and, thus, tissue selectivity. This review focuses on the different classes of openers of K+ channels, the intracellular mechanisms involved in the execution of their effects, and potential therapeutic targets.
authors.affiliation: Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Science, Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lawson
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001578:Benzopyrans / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D019806:Cromakalim; D006197:Hair / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects*; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D001578:Benzopyrans; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D010276:Parasympatholytics; D015221:Potassium Channels; D011758:Pyrroles; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D019806:Cromakalim; D002118:Calcium