Cardiovascular K(ATP) channels and advanced aging

With advanced aging, there is a decline in innate cardiovascular function. This decline is not general in nature. Instead, specific changes occur that impact the basic cardiovascular function, which include alterations in biochemical pathways and ion channel function. This review focuses on a particular ion channel that couple the latter two processes, namely the K(ATP) channel, which opening is promoted by alterations in intracellular energy metabolism. We show that the intrinsic properties of the K(ATP) channel changes with advanced aging and argue that the channel can be further modulated by biochemical changes. The importance is widespread, given the ubiquitous nature of the K(ATP) channel in the cardiovascular system where it can regulate processes as diverse as cardiac function, blood flow and protection mechanisms against superimposed stress, such as cardiac ischemia. We highlight questions that remain to be answered before the K(ATP) channel can be considered as a viable target for therapeutic intervention.