[Possibilities of the pharmacologic regulation of potassium channel function].

Potassium channels of excitable membranes are a heterogeneous group of channels among which one can distinguish potential-dependent, Ca2+-dependent, receptor-dependent and others. The substances contributing to the activation of these channels decrease excitability of membranes and the substances suppressing the activity of potassium channels increase it. A number of agents (narcotic analgetics, ligands of sigma-opiate receptors, GABA -mimetics, M-cholinergic agent) might modulate the activity of potassium channels indirectly through the corresponding receptors. Also, some drugs used in medical practice exert the immediate effect on these channels. Among them there are myotropic hypotensive drugs diazoxide, pinacidyl, BRL 34915 and minoxydyl, antidiabetic agents -- the derivatives of sulfon urea (butamide). The transfer of potassium ions through membranes is probably one of the fundamental mechanisms of the action of pharmacological agents.