title: [Blood pressure regulation by potassium channels].
abstract: Potassium channels are transmembrane proteins that allow this ion to diffuse through the plasma membrane. By participating in the generation of membrane potential they regulate intracellular calcium levels and vascular smooth muscle contraction. Voltage-gated and ATP-gated potassium channels have been described in vessel smooth muscle. Minoxidil and diazoxide vasodilate by opening ATP-gated potassium channels. Soon other K-ATP channel openers will be available. It has been suggested that hypoxic vasodilatation and shock are due to excessive activation of potassium channels. Mutations in potassium channels have been implied in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital Privado Córdoba, Argentina. tuty@si.cordoba.com.ar
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Orias
mesh_terms: D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D016764:Cell Polarity / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D015220:Calcium Channels; D015221:Potassium Channels; D014665:Vasodilator Agents
vernacular_title: Regulación de la presión arterial a través de canales de potasio.