Interactions of K+ATP channel blockers with Na+/K+-ATPase

Two K(+) (ATP) channel blockers, 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) and glyburide, are often used to study cross-talk between Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and these channels. The aim of this work was to characterize the effects of these blockers on purified Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase as an aid to appropriate use of these drugs in studies on this cross-talk. In contrast to known dual effects (activating and inhibitory) of other fatty acids on Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, 5-HD only inhibited the enzyme at concentrations exceeding those that block mitochondrial K(+) (ATP) channels. 5-HD did not affect the ouabain sensitivity of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase. Glyburide had both activating and inhibitory effects on Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase at concentrations used to block plasma membrane K(+) (ATP) channels. The findings justify the use of 5-HD as specific mitochondrial channel blocker in studies on the relation of this channel to Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, but question the use of glyburide as a specific blocker of plasma membrane K(+) (ATP) channels, when the relation of this channel to Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase is being studied.