Neuronal potassium channel openers

What are Neuronal potassium channel openers?

Neuronal potassium channel openers are anticonvulants used to treat seizures in adults. They are thought to reduce neuronal excitability by activating voltage-gated potassium channels of the Kv7 subfamily.

Neuronal potassium channel openers are a class of drugs mainly used to treat seizures (anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drugs) in adults. Neuronal potassium channel opener reduces seizure by targeting the potassium channel present throughout the nerves.

The term “potassium channel openers” was initially associated with a group of chemically diverse agents (for example, cromakalim, pinacidil, nicorandil) that evoke K⁺efflux through adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K⁺ channels (K_ATP).

Potassium channels are activated when intracellular ATP levels decrease, and are an important link between the cellular excitability and the metabolic status of the cell. The ratio of ATP/ADP, pH, lactate, and divalent cations determines and modulates the channel activity.

The intracellular pore is the feature of the channel that allows potassium ions to enter the cell when it is open, or be blocked from entering when closed. The channels opens when there is a change in membrane potential, allowing a influx of potassium ions into the cavity filter.