On the Mechanism of Inhibition of K_ATP Channels by Glibenclamide in Rat Ventricular Myocytes

Glibenclamide Block of K_ATP Channels. Introduction: The mechanism by which glibenclamide inhibits K_ATP channel activity has been examined in membrane patches from isolated rat ventricular cells. Methods and Results: Inside‐out patches were exposed to zero, or low, [ATP] to activate K_ATP channels. Glibenclamide did not affect single channel conductance, but reversibly reduced channel open probability from either side of the membrane. Internal (cytoplasmic) glibenclamide inhibited with half‐maximal inhibitory [glibenclamide] = 6 μM, Hill coefficient = 0.35. Complete channel inhibition was not observed, even at 300 μM [glibenclamide]. The response to step increases of internal [glibenclamide] could be resolved into two phases of channel inhibition (t_{1/2, fast}, < 1 sec, t_{1/2, slow}= 10.5 ± 0.9 sec, n = 8). Step decrease of [glibenclamide] caused a single resolvable phase of reactivation (t_1/2= 20.4 ± 0.7 sec, n = 16). Channel inhibition by internal glibenclamide could be relieved by ADP, but only in the presence of Mg²⁺. Conclusion: Glibenclamide can inhibit K_ATP channels from either side of the membrane, with block from one side being competitive with block from the other. Internal MgADP antagonizes the blocking action of glibenclamide. Glibenclamide inhibition of cardiac K_ATP channels differs quantitatively and qualitatively from the inhibition of pancreatic K_ATP channels.