ATP-SENSITIVE POTASSIUM CHANNELS - POTENTIAL-DRUG TARGETS IN NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY

1. K channels are a diverse and ubiquitous class of proteins that regulate a number of biological functions. 2. Ligands far the study of a variety of K channels are avialable. These include ''openers'' and antagonists for the ATP sensitive K channel and peptide toxins such as apamin and charybdotoxin that block other subtypes. 3. Antagonists of the ATP sensitive K channel are useful in the treatment of type II diabetes while ''openers'' of this channel are being tested in asthma and cardiovascular disease. 4. Intracerebroventricular administration of K channel ''openers'' block experimentally induced seizures in rodents through a hyperpolarization of neurons. K channel openers may also be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, pain and cerebral ischemia. 5. A key to the development of psychopharmacological agents to modify brain K channel function is CNS selectivity. The promise of the ATP sensitive K channel openers suggests a bright future for this mechanism.