Activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels by nicorandil is preserved in aged vascular smooth muscle cells in rats

作者：Yamazaki Fumimoto; Chi Haidong; Eguchi Satoru; Kawano Takashi^*

来源：Journal of Anesthesia, 2013, 27(4): 623-626.

DOI：10.1007/s00540-013-1582-z

• Nicorandil
• Isoflurane
• Potassium channels

Nicorandil, an ATP-sensitive potassium (K-ATP) channel opener having the properties of a nitrate, causes vasodilation, particularly of coronary arteries, and has been reported to reduce the frequency of perioperative cardiac events. We previously demonstrated that isoflurane could activate vascular K-ATP channels through an intracellular signaling pathway, but that this isoflurane-induced channel opening is suppressed by aging. Here, we investigated whether advanced age modifies nicorandil-induced activation of vascular K-ATP channels. We used a cell-attached patch-clamp configuration to test the effects of nicorandil on K-ATP channel activity in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) obtained from 12- to 15-week-old (adult) and 24- to 25-month-old (aged) male Wistar rats. Bath application of nicorandil (0.1-100 mu M) activated K-ATP channels to a level similar to that observed in VSMCs from the arteries of both adult and aged rats. Furthermore, concomitant bath application of nicorandil in the aged group dose-dependently ameliorated the age-related reduction in isoflurane-induced vascular K-ATP channel activation. Our findings indicate that nicorandil could be used effectively in elderly patients to directly activate vascular K-ATP channels during the perioperative period.

• 出版日期2013-8