GLIBENCLAMIDE, A BLOCKER OF ATP-SENSITIVE POTASSIUM CHANNELS, REVERSES ENDOTOXIN-INDUCED HYPOTENSION IN PIG

In anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated, indomethacin-treated pigs, we infused E. coli endotoxin (LPS, 20 mu g kg(-1) h(-1), I.V.). After 150 min of endotoxaemia, 10 mg kg(-1) glibenclamide (an ATP-sensitive KC channel antagonist) was administered I.V. over 5 min. Vascular vari ables were recorded before (control), after 150 min of endotoxaemia an d 5, 15 and 30 min after glibenclamide infusion. Glibenclamide transie ntly (within 5 min) increased systemic arterial pressure, reduced by L PS administration, without an effect on cardiac output. Our data indic ate that ATP-sensitive K+ channels may play a partial role in the vasc ular changes due to endotoxaemia.