Small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels: insights into their roles in cardiovascular disease

Life-threatening malignant arrhythmias in pathophysiological conditions can increase the mortality and morbidity of patients with cardiovascular diseases. Cardiac electrical activity depends on the coordinated propagation of excitatory stimuli and the generation of action potentials in cardiomyocytes. Action potential formation results from the opening and closing of ion channels. Recent studies have indicated that small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels play a critical role in cardiac repolarization in pathophysiological but not normal physiological conditions. The aim of this review is to describe the role of SK channels in healthy and diseased hearts, to suggest cardiovascular pathophysiologic targets for intervention, and to discuss studies of agents that target SK channels for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.