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Adenosine Triphosphate-Activated Potassium Channels

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Airways Smooth Muscle: Peptide Receptors, Ion Channels and Signal Transduction

Part of the book series: Respiratory Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy ((RPP))

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Abstract

A number of pharmacological agents including ß 2-adrenoceptor agonists, phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, muscarinic cholinoceptor antagonists and calcium (Cap2+) entry blockers (CEBs) are able to relax, or prevent the contraction of, airways smooth muscle. Agents which reduce contractility by opening potassium (K+) ion channels in the smooth muscle cell plasmalemma are also now being investigated. This chapter will review the proposed mechanisms of action of potassium channel openers (KCOs) and their pharmacological actions as elucidated in animal models and in human isolated tissues. Some findings from clinical studies will be discussed and therapeutic prospects of KCOs for the treatment of asthma will be considered.

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Author notes

  1. David Raeburn

    Present address: Department of Inflammation, Rhône-Poulenc Rorer, Inc., Collegeville, Philadelphia, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dagenham Research Centre, Rhône-Poulenc Rorer Ltd., Dagenham, Essex, UK

    Stephen L. Underwood & David Raeburn

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  1. Stephen L. Underwood
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  2. David Raeburn
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dagenham Research Centre, Discovery Biology Rhône-Poulenc Rorer Ltd, RM10 7XS, Dagenham, Essex, England

    David Raeburn (Department Head) (Department Head)

  2. Department of Thoracic Medicine, Royal Brompton National Heart and Lung Institute, Dovehouse Street, SW3 6LY, London, England

    Mark A. Giembycz (Lecturer) (Lecturer)

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© 1995 Birkhäuser Verlag Basel/Switzerland

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Underwood, S.L., Raeburn, D. (1995). Adenosine Triphosphate-Activated Potassium Channels. In: Raeburn, D., Giembycz, M.A. (eds) Airways Smooth Muscle: Peptide Receptors, Ion Channels and Signal Transduction. Respiratory Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy. Birkhäuser Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-7362-8_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-7362-8_9

  • Publisher Name: Birkhäuser Basel

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-0348-7364-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-0348-7362-8

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