ATP-SENSITIVE POTASSIUM CHANNELS - POTENTIAL-DRUG TARGETS IN NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY

1. K channels are a diverse and ubiquitous class of proteins that regu late a number of biological functions. 2. Ligands far the study of a v ariety of K channels are avialable. These include ''openers'' and anta gonists for the ATP sensitive K channel and peptide toxins such as apa min and charybdotoxin that block other subtypes. 3. Antagonists of the ATP sensitive K channel are useful in the treatment of type II diabet es while ''openers'' of this channel are being tested in asthma and ca rdiovascular disease. 4. Intracerebroventricular administration of K c hannel ''openers'' block experimentally induced seizures in rodents th rough a hyperpolarization of neurons. K channel openers may also be us eful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, pain and cerebral ischemia. 5. A key to the development of psychopharmacological agents to modify brain K channel function is CNS selectivity. The promise of the ATP sensitive K channel openers suggests a bright future for this mechanism.