title: Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels: Potential Target for Cardiovascular Diseases.
abstract: Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (KCa) are classified into three subtypes: big conductance (BKCa), intermediate conductance (IKCa), and small conductance (SKCa) KCa channels. The three types of KCa channels have distinct physiological or pathological functions in cardiovascular system. BKCa channels are mainly expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and inner mitochondrial membrane of cardiomyocytes, activation of BKCa channels in these locations results in vasodilation and cardioprotection against cardiac ischemia. IKCa channels are expressed in VSMCs, endothelial cells, and cardiac fibroblasts and involved in vascular smooth muscle proliferation, migration, vessel dilation, and cardiac fibrosis. SKCa channels are widely expressed in nervous and cardiovascular system, and activation of SKCa channels mainly contributes membrane hyperpolarization. In this chapter, we summarize the physiological and pathological roles of the three types of KCa channels in cardiovascular system and put forward the possibility of KCa channels as potential target for cardiovascular diseases.
authors.affiliation: Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China. Electronic address: dongdeli@ems.hrbmu.edu.cn.
authors.forename: De-Li
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.affiliation: Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China.
authors.forename: Yun-Long
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Bai
authors.affiliation: Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China.
authors.forename: Ben-Zhi
authors.initials: BZ
authors.lastname: Cai
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000378:metabolism*; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D024681:Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D024681:Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated
keywords: Big conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels; Heart; Intermediate conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels; Small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels; Vascular endothelial cells; Vascular smooth muscle cells