Urotensin-II (U-II), the most potent vasoconstrictor that has recently been recognized as a new candidate in cardiovascular dysfunction, might exert vasoconstriction through, at least partially, potassium channels that are predominant in both endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The present study was designed to evaluate the roles of potassium channels in vascular responses to ...

potassium channels allow potassium flux and are essential for the generation of electric current acrossexcitable membranes. potassium channels are also the targets of various intracellular controlmechanisms; such that the suboptimal regulation of channel function might be related to pathologicalconditions. realistic studies of ion current in biologic channels present a major challenge for compu...

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel openers have a relaxation effect due to the lower cellular membrane potential and inhibit calcium influx. There has been considerable interest in exploring KATP channel openers in the treatment of various diseases such as cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and urinary system disease and premature labor. The purpose of this study was to synthesize 3,3,6,6-tet...

Potassium Channels allow potassium flux and are essential for the generation of electric current acrossexcitable membranes. Potassium Channels are also the targets of various intracellular controlmechanisms; such that the suboptimal regulation of channel function might be related to pathologicalconditions. Realistic studies of ion current in biologic channels present a major challenge for compu...

Koh, S. D., G. M. Dick, and K. M. Sanders. Smallconductance Ca21-dependent K1 channels activated by ATP in murine colonic smooth muscle. Am. J. Physiol. 273 (Cell Physiol. 42): C2010–C2021, 1997.—The patch-clamp technique was used to determine the ionic conductances activated by ATP in murine colonic smooth muscle cells. Extracellular ATP, UTP, and 2-methylthioadenosine 58-triphosphate (2-MeSAT...

Kv7.1 (KCNQ1) channels are regulators of several physiological processes including vasodilatation, repolarization of cardiomyocytes, and control of secretory processes. A number of Kv7.1 pore mutants are sensitive to extracellular potassium. We hypothesized that extracellular potassium also modulates wild-type Kv7.1 channels. The Kv7.1 currents were measured in Xenopus laevis oocytes at differe...

The endothelium is a highly active organ responsible for vasculatory tone and structure, angiogenesis, as well as hemodynamic, humoral, and inflammatory responses. The endothelium is constantly exposed to blood flow, sheer stress and tension. Endothelial cells are present as a vasculature in every tissue of the body and react to and control its microenvironment. A variety of ion channels are pr...

The atomic structures of K+ channels have added a new dimension to our understanding of K+ channel function. I will briefly review how structures have influenced our views on ion conduction, gating of the pore, and voltage sensing.

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 signali...