Activation of ATP-sensitive K channels in heart cells by pinacidil: dependence on ATP.

We have investigated the effects of pinacidil on channel activity recorded from inside-out patches of membrane excised from guinea pig ventricular cells. If the cytosolic ATP concentration is greater than 0 but less than 500 microM, pinacidil increases the activity of a channel identified as the ATP-sensitive K channel (IKATP) by its single-channel conductance, its inhibition by ATP, and its sensitivity to glybenclamide. When ATP is greater than 3.0 mM the effects of pinacidil are inhibited. Our experiments show that pinacidil enhances the activity of IKATP in heart cells, but that the action of the drug depends on the ATP concentration of the cytosolic solutions. The results suggest that pinacidil acts indirectly, perhaps at an ATP-binding site that regulates this channel.