Prolongation of rat heart allograft survival with K(+)ATP-dependent channel modulators

Controversies exist regarding the immunoregulatory properties of K+ ATP cha nnel modulators. We investigated the effects of aprikalim, a K+ ATP-depende nt channels activator, and glibenclamide and gliclazide, two inhibitors of K+ ATP-dependent channels, on the prolongation of heart allograft survival in the rat. Nine groups (n greater than or equal to 5) were involved in thi s study with the Brown-Norway to Lewis rat combination treated with aprikal im, glibenclamide, gliclazide, and/or cyclosporine. The results indicate th at modulators of K+ ATP-dependent channels can improve the survival of rat heart allograft without interfering with the immunosuppressive properties o f cyclosporine. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.