Tissue protection mediated by mitochondrial K+ channels.

Two distinct K+ uniporters have been described in mitochondria, ATP-sensitive and Ca2+-activated. Both are capable of protecting tissues against ischemia and other forms of injury when active. These findings indicate a central role for mitochondrial K+ uptake in tissue protection. This review describes the characteristics of mitochondrial K+ uniport, physiological consequences of this transport, forms of tissue damage in which K+ channels are implicated and possible mechanisms through which protection occurs.