The mitochondrial K(ATP) channel and cardioprotection.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels allow coupling of membrane potential to cellular metabolic status. Two K(ATP) channel subtypes coexist in the myocardium, with one subtype located in the sarcolemma (sarcK(ATP)) membrane and the other in the inner membrane of the mitochondria (mitoK(ATP)). The K(ATP) channels can be pharmacologically modulated by a family of structurally diverse agents of varied potency and selectivity, collectively known as potassium channel openers and blockers. Sufficient evidence exists to indicate that the K(ATP) channels and, in particular, the mitoK(ATP) channels play an important role both as a trigger and an effector in surgical cardioprotection. In this review, the biochemistry and surgical specificity of the K(ATP) channels are examined.