title: Endothelial mitochondria as a possible target for potassium channel modulators.
abstract: Variety of ion channels is present in plasma membrane of endothelial cells. These include the potassium channels such as Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels, inwardly rectifying K(+) channels, voltage-dependent K(+) channels and also ATP-regulated K(+) channels. Due to an influence on the membrane potential they are important regulators of vascular tone by modulating endothelial calcium ions signaling and synthesis of vasodilating factors. Potassium channels in mitochondrial membranes of various tissues, similar to plasma membrane potassium channels, are described. Mitochondrial potassium channels such as ATP-regulated or large conductance Ca(2+)-activated and voltage gated channels are implicated in cytoprotective phenomenon in different tissues. In this paper we describe the pharmacological properties of mitochondrial potassium channels and discuss their role of as novel pharmacotherapeutic targets in endothelium.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Pasteura 3, PL 02-093 Warszawa, Poland.
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Głab
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lojek
authors.forename: Antoni
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wrzosek
authors.forename: Krzysztof
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dołowy
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Szewczyk
mesh_terms: D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D051036:Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D051036:Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; D015221:Potassium Channels