Protective effects of ATP-sensitive potassium-channel openers in experimental myocardial ischemia

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) exist in cardiac tissue and a potential role in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia was hypothesized early after their discovery. Studies in in vitro models of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion have indicated that KATP openers, as a class, exert protective effects. This has been assessed by determination of recovery of contractile function, inhibition of contracture, or inhibition of necrosis. This protective effect appears to be exerted directly on the myocardium and is not dependent on peripheral or coronary dilator activities. These protective effects are uniformly abolished by blockers of KATP. The protective effects of KATP openers are accompanied by a conservation of myocardial energy during ischemia, and this occurs despite a relative lack of cardiodepressant effects. In vivo studies have shown more variable results with some investigators showing efficacy and others not showing efficacy. The lack of efficacy for some investigators may be related to the potent vasodilator activity of the KATP openers used. Efficacy for KATP openers has been shown in canine models of infarction and stunned myocardium. KATP blockers also appear to abolish the protective effects of KATP openers in these models. Future work on KATP openers is focused on the determination of the molecular mechanism of action for the cardioprotective effects of these agents, development of tissue selectivity, and the importance of action potential shortening in mediating cardioprotection.