Regulation of ileal electrolyte transport by K+ channel activators

Pinacidil (N"-cyano-N-4-pyridyl-N'-1,2,2-trimethylpropylguanidine monohydrate) and BRL 38227, a benzopyran derivative, two K+ channel activators, were found to decrease short-circuit current (ISC), a measure for ion movement across the intestinal tissue. This decrease in ISC was correlated with an increase in NaCl absorption. These results suggest the possibility of new forms of drug therapy for diarrheal diseases. The effects of pinacidil were compared to galanin which also increased NaCl absorption. Galanin increased potassium currents in whole-cell patch clamp studies. The effects of galanin and pinacidil on Isc were not additive suggesting a common pathway in their mechanism of action.