Title: Cytoprotective role of Ca2+- activated K+ channels in the cardiac inner mitochondrial membrane.

Authors: Wenhong Xu, Yongge Liu, Sheng Wang, Todd McDonald, Jennifer E Van Eyk, Agnieszka Sidor, Brian O'Rourke

Journal, date & volume: Science, 2002 Nov 1 , 298, 1029-33

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12411707

Abstract
Ion channels on the mitochondrial inner membrane influence cell function in specific ways that can be detrimental or beneficial to cell survival. At least one type of potassium (K+) channel, the mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K+ channel (mitoKATP), is an important effector of protection against necrotic and apoptotic cell injury after ischemia. Here another channel with properties similar to the surface membrane calcium-activated K+ channel was found on the mitochondrial inner membrane (mitoKCa) of guinea pig ventricular cells. MitoKCa significantly contributed to mitochondrial K+ uptake of the myocyte, and an opener of mitoKCa protected hearts against infarction.