Natural modulators of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels

Planta Med. 2003 Oct;69(10):885-92. doi: 10.1055/s-2003-45095.

Abstract

Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels, also known as BK or Maxi-K channels, occur in many types of cell, including neurons and myocytes, where they play an essential role in the regulation of cell excitability and function. These properties open a possible role for BK-activators (also called BK-openers) and/or BK-blockers as effective therapeutic agents for different neurological, urological, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The synthetic benzimidazolone derivatives NS004 and NS1619 are the pioneer BK-activators and have represented the reference models which led to the design of several novel and heterogeneous synthetic BK-openers, while very few synthetic BK-blockers have been reported. Even today, the research towards identifying new BK-modulating agents is proceeding with great impetus and is giving an ever-increasing number of new molecules. Among these, also a handsome number of natural BK-modulator compounds, belonging to different structural classes, has appeared in the literature. The goal of this paper is to provide a possible simple classification of the broad structural heterogeneity of the natural BK-activating agents (terpenes, phenols, flavonoids) and blockers (alkaloids and peptides), and a concise overview of their chemical and pharmacological properties as well as potential therapeutic applications.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Benzimidazoles / chemistry
  • Benzimidazoles / pharmacology*
  • Chlorophenols / chemistry
  • Chlorophenols / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plants, Medicinal*
  • Potassium Channel Blockers / chemistry
  • Potassium Channel Blockers / pharmacology*
  • Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated / agonists
  • Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated / drug effects*

Substances

  • Benzimidazoles
  • Chlorophenols
  • Potassium Channel Blockers
  • Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated
  • NS 1619
  • benzimidazolone
  • NS 004