Role of ATP-Sensitive K+ Channels in Myocardial Infarct Size-Limiting Effect of Chronic Continuous Normobaric Hypoxia

Abstract

The role of K_ATP channels in myocardial infarct size-limiting effect of chronic continuous normobaric hypoxia was examined in a rat model based on a 20-min coronary occlusion and subsequent 3-h reperfusion. Rats were adapted to normobaric hypoxia (12% O₂) for 21 days. This hypoxia produced a pronounced infarct size-limiting effect, which had been prevented by 0.3 mg/kg glibenclamide, a non-selective inhibitor of entire pool of K_ATP channels, or 5 mg/kg 5-hydroxydecanoate, an inhibitor of mitochondrial K_ATP channels. The study highlighted the important role of mitochondrial K_ATP channels in myocardial infarct size-limiting effect of chronic normobaric hypoxia.