4227 Glibenclamide inhibits prostanoid induced contractions of isolated bovine retinal and ciliary arteries

&3&@wM : Glihenclamide is an oral hypoglycaemic drug. believed to stimulate the release of insulin by blOCking the ATPdepandent potassium channels of the pancreatic p-cell membrane. ATP-regulated K+-channels are also present in vascular smooth muscle cell. Opening of these channels by dnyls such as cmmakalim or pinactdil. hyperpolarizes the smooth muscle cell and induces relaxation. These relaxations are blocked by Qlibenctamide. Glibencfamide has recently been shown to almost completely block prostanoid induced contra&ion of the rat aorta.