Pelaia G, Gallelli L, Vatrella A, Grembiale R D, Maselli R, De Sarro G B, Marsico S A
Department of Pharmacobiological Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Italy.
Life Sci. 2002 Jan 18;70(9):977-90. doi: 10.1016/s0024-3205(01)01487-4.
Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells express various types of potassium (K+) channels which play a key role in determining the resting membrane potential, a relative electrical stability and the responsiveness to both contractile and relaxant agents. In addition, K+ channels are also involved in modulation of neurotransmitter release from airway nerves. The most important K+ channels identified in airways include large and small Ca2+-activated, delayed-rectifier, and ATP-sensitive channels. These K+ channels are structurally and functionally different, thus playing distinct roles in airway electrophysiology and pharmacology. Many in vitro and in vivo studies, performed in both animals and humans, have shown that K+ channel openers are able to induce hyperpolarization of ASM cells, bronchodilation, suppression of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and inhibition of neural reflexes. Therefore, airway K+ channels represent a suitable pharmacological target for the development of new effective therapeutic options in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
气道平滑肌（ASM）细胞表达多种类型的钾（K+）通道，这些通道在决定静息膜电位、相对电稳定性以及对收缩剂和舒张剂的反应性方面发挥着关键作用。此外，K+通道还参与调节气道神经递质的释放。在气道中鉴定出的最重要的K+通道包括大的和小的钙激活通道、延迟整流通道以及ATP敏感性通道。这些K+通道在结构和功能上有所不同，因此在气道电生理学和药理学中发挥着不同的作用。在动物和人类中进行的许多体外和体内研究表明，K+通道开放剂能够诱导ASM细胞超极化、支气管扩张、抑制气道高反应性（AHR）以及抑制神经反射。因此，气道K+通道是开发治疗哮喘和慢性阻塞性肺疾病（COPD）新的有效治疗方案的合适药理学靶点。
