Design, synthesis and pharmacological results of new potential Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel Openers.

Potassium channels are ubiquitous proteins that selectively allow potassium ions across the cell membrane along its electrochemical gradient. This superfamily is divided into subfamilies. An important one is the group of potassium channel regulated by the intracellular concentration of calcium ions (KCa). On the basis of the channel conductance, the KCa are again subdivided into three types: IK, SK, BK. The last one is our pharmacological target. BK channels are present in different (type of) tissues as : neuronal cells, endothelial cells, photoelectric cells, skeletal muscle. But our attention is focused on the cardiovascular system, in particular on vascular smooth muscle, where BK channels are involved in the control of the muscle tone.