Modulation of adrenergic coronary vasoconstriction via ATP-sensitive potassium channel

We examined humoral and/or locally produced vasoactive factors involved in modulating sympathetic coronary vasoconstriction via the ATP-sensitive K (KATP) channel in 42 anesthetized dogs. Glibenclamide (30 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 ic or 0.6 mg.kg-1.min-1 left atrial injection) augmented coronary vascular resistance (CVR) at baseline and during cardiac sympathetic nerve stimulation (2-20 Hz), with a greater increase seen in the subepicardial region than in the subendocardial region both during beta-adrenergic receptor blockade and alpha- and beta-receptor blockade [P < 0.05 and P < 0.05 (n = 6 and 18 dogs), analysis of variance]. In contrast, pinacidil (10 micrograms.kg-1.min-1; n = 8 dogs) suppressed CVR. Glibenclamide enhanced CVR response to locally administered norepinephrine of 0.001-0.1 microgram.kg-1.min-1 (P < 0.05, analysis of covariance; n = 5 dogs) but did not enhance norepinephrine or neuropeptide Y overflow (n = 18 dogs). CVR was not modified by calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist [CGRP-(8-37)], 8-phenyltheophylline, or N omega-nitro-L-arginine (n = 11 dogs). Thus sympathetic coronary vasoconstriction is modified by coronary vascular KATP channels with a transmural difference. However, CGRP, adenosine, and endothelial nitric oxide production are not involved in the modulation.