Atrial-Selective Potassium Channel Blockers

Card Electrophysiol Clin. 2016 Jun;8(2):411-21. doi: 10.1016/j.ccep.2016.02.005. Epub 2016 Mar 24.

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Atrial-selective potassium (K(+)) channel blockers may represent a novel therapeutic target. The best validated atrial-specific ion currents are the acetylcholine-activated inward-rectifier K(+) current IK,ACh and ultrarapidly activating delayed-rectifier K(+) current IKur. Two-pore domain and small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels and Kv1.1 channels may also contribute to the atrial repolarization. We review the molecular and electrophysiologic characteristics of atrial-selective K(+) channels and their potential pathophysiologic role in AF. We summarize currently available K(+) channel blockers focusing on the most important compounds.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; I(K,ACh); I(Kur); K2P channels; Kv1.1 channels; SK channels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • Heart Atria* / chemistry
  • Heart Atria* / cytology
  • Heart Atria* / drug effects
  • Heart Atria* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Models, Molecular
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / chemistry
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / cytology
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / drug effects
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / metabolism
  • Potassium Channel Blockers*
  • Potassium Channels*

Substances

  • Potassium Channel Blockers
  • Potassium Channels