Lawson K
Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Science, Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
Pharmacol Ther. 1996;70(1):39-63. doi: 10.1016/0163-7258(96)00003-4.
The physiological role of K+ channel opening by endogenous substances (e.g., neurotransmitters and hormones) is a recognised inhibitory mechanism. Thus, the identification of novel synthetic molecules that 'directly' open K+ channels has led to a new direction in the pharmacology of ion channels. The existence of many different subtypes of K+ channels has been an impetus in the search for new molecules demonstrating channel and, thus, tissue selectivity. This review focuses on the different classes of openers of K+ channels, the intracellular mechanisms involved in the execution of their effects, and potential therapeutic targets.
内源性物质（如神经递质和激素）开启钾离子通道的生理作用是一种公认的抑制机制。因此，鉴定能够“直接”开启钾离子通道的新型合成分子，为离子通道药理学带来了新的方向。钾离子通道存在许多不同的亚型，这推动了对具有通道及组织选择性的新分子的探索。本综述重点关注钾离子通道开启剂的不同类别、其作用发挥所涉及的细胞内机制以及潜在的治疗靶点。
