Some observations and pathophysiological considerations concerning KATP-channels and coronary heart disease

Journal of Clinical and Basic Cardiology 1999; 2 (1): 15-18

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Keywords: KATP-Kanal,  Nicorandil,  Präkonditionierung,  KATP-channel,  Nicorandil,  preconditioning

KATP-channels are involved in a multitude of cardioprotective mechanisms: The shortening of the cardiac action potential with subsequent decrease of Ca-entry and reduction of contractile force (reduced O2-consumption), ischaemic K-efflux and preconditioning. Myocardial hibernation, another cardioprotective mechanism, is also initially triggered by the opening of KATP-channels. Drugs, like K-channel-openers, hence, are beneficial in coronary heart disease. They support the physiological mechanisms of anti-ischaemic protection. This article describes the various phenomena of anti-ischaemic protection in great detail. J Clin Basic Cardiol 1999; 2: 15-8.