Involvement Of Potassium Channels In The Release Of Glucocorticoids

The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of various potassium channel modulators on release of glucocorticoids in dogs. Single dose intravenous administration of pinacidil and cromakalim produced significant fall in serum cortisol levels. KRN2391 and nicorandil did not produce any significant change in serum cortisol levels in dogs. Intravenous administration of synthetic adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) produced a significant rise in cortisol levels. Pinacidil, cromakalim and KRN2391 prevented ACTH-induced rise in cortisol levels In dogs. Glibenclamide neither significantly altered cortisol levels nor produced any change In ACTH-induced rise in cortisol levels. In conclusion, our data provide an evidence for the involvement of potassium channels in the release of glucocorticoids. It is possible that differential effects of potassium channel openers on glucocorticoid levels is due to diverse subtypes of potassium channels.