KATP channel: relation with cell metabolism and role in the cardiovascular system

In the cardiovascular system KATP has important functions. The most prominent is that opening of this channel can protect cardiac myocytes against ischemic injuries. The sarcolemmal KATP may provide a basic protection against ischemia by energy sparing, while both the sarcolemmal KATP and mitochondrial KATP channels are necessary for the ischemia preconditioning. KATP channels also have important functions including homeostasis maintenance and vascular tone regulation under physiological conditions. Further elucidation of the role of KATP in the cardiovascular system will help us to regulate cell metabolism or prevent damage caused by abnormal channel functions.