Diterpene Lipo-Alkaloids with Selective Activities on Cardiac K+ Channels

Investigations of diterpene alkaloids isolated from Aconitum anthora L. and A. moldavicum L., and of aconitine-derived lipo-alkaloids

Inactivation of voltage-gated cardiac K+ channels.

Inactivation is the process by which an open channel enters a stable nonconducting conformation after a depolarizing change in membrane potential. Inactivation is a widespread property of many different types of voltage-gated ion channels. Recent advances in the molecular biology of K+ channels have elucidated two mechanistically distinct types of inactivation, N-type and C-type. N-type inactiv...

CaMKII regulation of cardiac K channels

Cardiac K channels are critical determinants of cardiac excitability. In hypertrophied and failing myocardium, alterations in the expression and activity of voltage-gated K channels are frequently observed and contribute to the increased propensity for life-threatening arrhythmias. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of disturbed K channel regulation in heart failure (HF) is of critical importan...

Selective Reduction of Morphinan Alkaloids

Surface charge and properties of cardiac ATP-sensitive K+ channels

ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels are present in a wide variety of tissues. The sensitivity of these channels to closure by cytosolic ATP (ATPi) varies significantly among different tissues and even within the same tissue. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that negative surface charges modulate the sensitivity of the KATP channels to ATPi by influencing surface potential in th...