title: K(V)7 potassium channels: a new therapeutic target in smooth muscle disorders.
abstract: Potassium channels are key regulators of smooth muscle tone, with increases in activity resulting in hyperpolarisation of the cell membrane, which acts to oppose vasoconstriction. Several potassium channels exist within smooth muscle, but the KV7 family of voltage-gated potassium channels have been identified as being crucial mediators of this process in a variety of smooth muscle. Recently, KV7 channels have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension, as well as being implicated in other smooth muscle disorders, providing a new and inviting target for smooth muscle disorders.
authors: Division of Biomedical Sciences, St George's, University of London, London, UK.
authors: Jennifer B
authors: JB
authors: Stott
authors: Division of Biomedical Sciences, St George's, University of London, London, UK.
authors: Thomas A
authors: TA
authors: Jepps
authors: Division of Biomedical Sciences, St George's, University of London, London, UK. Electronic address: iainagreenwood@gmail.com.
authors: Iain A
authors: IA
authors: Greenwood
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051656:KCNQ Potassium Channels / Q000819:agonists / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000502:physiology*; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000503:physiopathology; D024681:Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000503:physiopathology; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D051656:KCNQ Potassium Channels; D024681:Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated