Glibenclamide specifically blocks ATP-sensitive K+ channel current in atrial myocytes of guinea pig heart.

Effects of glibenclamide on the control membrane ionic currents, acetylcholine or adenosine-induced K+ current, and nicorandil-induced K+ current were examined in single atrial myocytes of guinea pig heart. The nystatin-whole cell clamp technique was used. Nicorandil evoked the time-independent K+ current which is probably the current through the ATP-sensitive K+ channel. Glibenclamide inhibited this current in a concentration-dependent fashion, although it had no effect on the other currents. We concluded that glibenclamide specifically inhibits the ATP-sensitive K+ channel current in cardiac myocytes.