Potassium channel in coronary artery smooth muscle cell (null)

Potassium channels in coronary artery smooth muscle cells constitute a heterogeneous group of transmembrane proteins that regulate membrane potential and vascular tone by facilitating selective potassium ion flux across the cell membrane. These channels include several classes—voltage-dependent (KV), Ca²⁺-activated (KCa), inward rectifier (KIR), and ATP-sensitive (KATP)—each with distinct molecular properties and physiological roles. They are crucial in controlling vascular smooth muscle contraction, relaxation, and proliferation, affecting blood flow and arterial pressure. Dysregulation or pharmacological targeting of these channels is implicated in cardiovascular pathologies such as hypertension and ischemic heart disease[1][2][3].

Other names

Arterial smooth muscle cell potassium channelVascular smooth muscle cell potassium channelK⁺ channel (VSMC)

Inhibition of potassium channels leads to membrane depolarization and vasoconstriction Activation of potassium channels induces membrane hyperpolarization and vasodilation