[Modulation of potassium channel by arachidonic acid]

Arachidonic acid is an important modulator for the inflammatory process. It can directly or indirectly regulate potassium channels which exist widely in the membrane of various types of cells. The direct modulation changes the conformation of potassium channel protein by the interaction between arachidonic acid and the protein, or through the interference with cell membranes around channels. The indirect influence of arachidonic acid upon channels results from its metabolites caused by cylcooxygenase and lipooxygenase, protein kinase C, and [Ca2+]i. All these aspects provide new potential targets for pharmacological investigations.