Effects of potassium channel openers on Na+ and K+ currents in rabbit sinus node and atrial myocytes

The effects of the potassium channel openers (KCOs) Cromakalim and Lemakalim on rabbit sinoatrial and atrial myocytes were examined by means of the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Lemakalin (up to 100 microM) had no effect on potassium current in sinoatrial cells. Both Lemakalim and Cromakalim (100 microM) displayed a two-fold action on atrial myocytes: (1) they increased an outwardly rectifying conductance at potentials positive to EK and, (2) they markedly decreased a TTX-sensitive Na+ current active in the voltage range -50/-30 mV. This novel action on TTX-sensitive currents is of particular interest since these two benzopyrans have been thought to specifically target potassium channels.