title: Mechanisms by which K(ATP) channel openers produce acute and delayed cardioprotection.
abstract: Mitochondria are being increasingly studied for their critical role in cell survival. Multiple diverse signaling pathways have been shown to converge on the K+-sensitive ATP channels as the effectors of cytoprotection against necrosis and apoptosis. The role of potassium channel openers in regulation and transformation of cell membrane excitability, action potential and electrolyte transfer has been extensively studied. Cardiac mitoK(ATP) channels are the key effectors in cardioprotection during ischemic preconditioning, as yet with an undefined mechanism. They have been hypothesized to couple myocardial metabolism with membrane electrical activity and provide an excellent target for drug therapy. A number of K(ATP) channel openers have been characterized for their beneficial effects on the myocardium against ischemic injury. This review updates recent progress in understanding the physiological role of K(ATP) channels in cardiac protection induced by preconditioning and highlights relevant questions and controversies in the light of published data.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA.
authors.forename: Yigang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Husnain Khawaja
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Haider
authors.forename: Nauman
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.forename: Muhammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ashraf
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D015640:Ion Channel Gating; D019157:Ischemic Preconditioning, Myocardial / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D015221:Potassium Channels; C117780:mitochondrial K(ATP) channel