Potassium ion (K+) channels are ubiquitous components and are
widely distributed on the surface of the cell membrane in various
tissues. There are many types of potassium ion channels
(voltage-gated K+ channels, ATP-sensitive K+ channels,
Ca2+-activated K+ channels, etc.), and each type of potassium ion
channel has its own characteristic features concerning
electrophysiology and molecular biology in each potassium ion
channel. The potassium ion current across the plasma membrane is
considered to have two main physiological functions, one for
determining the membrane potential and the other regulating the
electrical activity. Membrane hyperpolarization would reduce the
excitability of the membrane by shifting the membrane potential
away from the threshold for excitation and would inhibit, where it
existed, calcium ion (Ca2+) influx through voltage-gated Ca2+
channels by closing the Ca2+ channel. Outward potassium ion
currents activated upon depolarization would counteract the
depolarizing action of inward currents carried either by sodium ion
(Na+) or Ca2+. Therefore, potassium ion channels show the
physiological effects in each tissue via membrane potential
mediated Ca2+ dynamics (for example, excitation-contraction
coupling in muscle). Potassium ion channel activity is also
essentially regulated by the intracellular signal transduction
pathways, such as receptors (G proteins) second messenger molecules
processes in the physiological condition. On the other hand, the
modification of potassium ion channel activity would be expected to
have a significant effect on the excitability of various cells.
Therefore, augmentation of outward potassium ion currents may be
useful to treat various diseases (asthma, chronic pulmonary
obstructive disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma,
arrhythmias, heart failure, epilepsy, etc.). Furthermore, potassium
ion channels may be a target protein for the research and
development of a therapeutic agent for various diseases concerning
the lungs, heart, nerves, eyes, and pancreas. However, there are
few books described in detail about potassium ion channels. This
book will focus on the characteristics, function and regulation of
several types of potassium ion channels, focusing on the role of
these channels not only in terms of physical responses, but also in
the aforementioned diseases.
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