Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

High-throughput Screening for Small-molecule Modulators of Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels
Published on: January 27, 2013
Potassium channel openers prevent beta-amyloid toxicity in bovine vascular endothelial cells
X Chi1, E T Sutton, G Hellermann
1Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, MDC 8, 12901 Bruce B Downs Boulevard, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612-4799, USA.
Abstract:
There is increasing evidence that the cerebrovasculture may be involved in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. Here, we report that potassium channel openers (KCOs) inhibit dose and time dependent necrosis induced by beta-amyloid (Abeta) in cultured vascular endothelial cells. Cell proliferation rate was assayed by a colorimetric method. Abeta cytotoxicity and inhibition by the K(ATP) channel opener diazoxide and the K(Ca) channel opener NS1619 was correlated with changes in nitric oxide (NO) production. The protective effects were partly blocked by potassium channel blockers. Toxicity of Abeta and KCO protection was verified by histological examination of endothelial cells with scanning electron microscopy. eNOS levels in endothelial cells were not changed by any of the treatments. The results suggest that disruption of K(+) channels function may be a critical step in Abeta-induced cytotoxicity in endothelial cells by alteration of NO release.
Related Concept Videos
Antihypertensive Drugs: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class I Agents as Sodium Channel Blockers
Class 1A Antiarrhythmic Drugs: These drugs work by moderately blocking sodium channels,...
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class II Agents as β-Adrenergic Blockers
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers
Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, inhibits calcium movement across myocardial cell membranes and vascular smooth muscle. This results in the dilation of coronary and...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...

