Potassium Channels

Part 1 Structural and biophysical aspects: K+ channels - biochemical and structural considerations; gating and selectivity of K+ channels. Part 2 Electrophysiological and pharmacological classification: voltage dependent K+ channels; Ca2+-activated K+ channels; biophysics and physiology of ATP-regulated K+ channels; modulation of K+ channel activity by G-proteins, second messenger and phosphorylation; Na+-activated K+ currents; non-specific cation channels; pharmacological modulation of K+ channels - an overview of K+ channel blockers and activators. Part 3 Physiological roles of K+ channels and the therapeutic potential of K+ channel modulation - modulation of smooth muscle tone by K+ channels; In Vivo studies with drugs which open smooth muscle K+ channels; modulation of K+ channels in Endocrine glands; role of K+ channels in epithelial tissues; therapeutic potential of K+ channel modulation in the Heart; K+ channels in the central nervous system; K+ channels in Immuno-Responsive cells.