Pinacidil opens K+-selective channels causing hyperpolarization and relaxation of noradrenaline contractions in rat mesenteric resistance vessels.

1. The effects of pinacidil on noradrenaline-induced tone, smooth muscle membrane potential and 42K- and 86Rb-efflux from isolated mesenteric resistance vessels (internal diameter 200 microns) of the rat have been studied. 2. Pinacidil (0.3-10 microM) produced concentration-dependent suppression of noradrenaline-induced tone. 3. Pinacidil (0.3-10 microM) caused concentration-dependent hyperpolarization of the smooth muscle. 4. In rat resistance vessels loaded with 42K, pinacidil (1-10 microM) significantly increased the 42K-efflux rate constant. 5. With the use of 86Rb as a marker for K+, 1 microM pinacidil did not affect the 86Rb-efflux rate constant, while 10 microM pinacidil transiently increased the 86Rb rate constant. 6. The results indicate that the relaxant action of pinacidil in these vessels is due to the opening of K+-channels and consequent hyperpolarization. The K+-channels opened are selective for 42K over 86Rb.