Atp-sensitive k+ channels are not involved in ischemia/reperfusion lung endothelial injury . Khimenko, Pavel L., Timothy M. Moore, and Aubrey E. Taylor. Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama 36688
APStracts 2:0151A, 1995.
The role of ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP) in ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) was studied in isolated rat lungs. I/R produced a six-fold increase in endothelial permeability as measured by the capillary filtration coefficient (Kfc). Cromakalim (10 [mu]M), given at 46 minutes after reperfusion reversed the Kfc increase. This effect was not blocked by either a protein kinase A inhibitor (Rp -cAMPS, 100 [mu]M) or an adenosine antagonist (SPT, 20 [mu]M). Cromakalim, given before ischemia or at the beginning of reperfusion protected the endothelial barrier from injury. Glibenclamide (500 [mu]M), given before the ischemic period, at the beginning of reperfusion, or 46 minutes after reperfusion, did not alter the changes in microvascular permeability produced by I/R. Glibenclamide blocked the ability of cromakalim to reverse endothelial damage but not the ability of either isoproterenol (10 [mu]M) or an adenosine A2-receptor agonist, CGS-21680 (300 nM). We conclude, that opening of KATP channels does not produce endothelial injury in I/R. The activation of KATP channels can both protect against and reverse the endothelial damage associated with I/R. This novel mechanism(s) is independent from known pathways that employ cAMP-PKA system and adenosine.

Received 20 January 1995; accepted in final form 29 March 1995.
APS Manuscript Number A75-5.
Article publication pending Journal of Applied Physiology.
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1995 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 19 April 1995.