Mitochondria and Big-Conductance Potassium Channel Openers

Abstract

Mitochondria play a central role in energy generation within the cell. Since the discovery of potassium channels in the inner mitochondrial membrane, mitochondria have been considered an important target for potassium channel openers. The purpose of this short review is to present the recent state of our knowledge about big-conductance potassium channels (BK-type channels) recently discovered in the inner mitochondrial membrane. In addition, modulation of mitochondrial functions by the BK-type potassium channel openers are described.

Keywords: :

• Mitochondria
• Potassium Channel Openers
• Respiratory Chain