K(ATP) channel / 한양의대학술지

ABSTRACT

Pharmacological preconditioning with volatile anesthetics is a phenomenon whereby a brief exposure to volatile anesthetic agents protects the heart from the potentially fatal consequences of a subsequent prolonged period of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. Although not completely elucidated, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of pharmacological preconditioning appear to mimic those of ischemic preconditioning, the most powerful endogenous cardioprotective mechanism. Activation of ATP-dependent potassium (K(ATP)) channels in the myocardium plays an important cardioprotective role during ischemia. This article reviews current concepts and controversies regarding the specific roles of the mitochondrial and the sarcolemmal K(ATP) channels in pharmacological preconditioning by volatile anesthetics.