Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv7.1

Title: Peripheral channelopathies as targets for potassium channel openers.

Authors: K Lawson, M J Dunne

Journal, date & volume: , 2001 Jul , 10, 1345-59

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11772256

Abstract
Potassium channel openers (KCOs) are important tools that are often used to gain a greater understanding of K(+) channels. Agents that can induce or maintain the opening of K(+) channels also offer a therapeutic approach to controlling of cell excitability and offer a means of producing stability in biological systems. The pathogenesis of a broad range of peripheral disorders (e.g., LQT syndrome, hypokalemic periodic paralysis, hyperinsulinism in infancy and erectile dysfunction) are associated with dysfunctional K(+) channels due to mutations in genes encoding channel proteins. The therapeutic potential of KCOs in peripheral K(+) channelopathies is discussed. The identification of K(+) channel subtype-specific openers offers discrete modulation of cellular systems creating a realistic therapeutic advance in the treatment of K(+) channelopathies.