Potassium channel openers - Agents for the treatment of airway hyperreactivity

ATP-sensitive potassium (K-ATP) channels link the metabolic status of the c ell to the plasma membrane potential and thus play a key role in regulating cellular excitability. K-ATP channel openers (KCOs) may impact positively on respiratory disease by suppressing bronchoconstriction, mucus hypersecre tion, cough and airway hyperreactivity (AHR). A major recent development is the emergence of KCOs which can obviate experimental AHR at doses which ar e devoid of cardiovascular effects. This new generation of compounds with s electivity for the airways may constitute a new class of drugs for the trea tment of asthma.