Effect of Potassium Channel Openers on Potassium Channels in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells
August 1997
in “
PubMed
”
New to Minoxidil? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This study indicates that activating K+ channels in dermal papilla cells alone may not promote hair growth, despite some openers being effective on certain channels.
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The study investigated the effects of K+ channel openers, specifically minoxidil sulfate and pinacidil, on K+ channels in cultured human dermal papilla cells. Using the patch clamp technique, researchers found that the Ca(2+)-activated K+ (KCa) channel was dominant, while KATP channels were not observed. Minoxidil and pinacidil did not activate KATP or KCa channels. However, the KCa channel was activated by sodium nitroprusside and dibutyryl cGMP, indicating cGMP-mediated activation. The study concluded that increased K+ permeability in dermal papilla cells alone might not be sufficient to promote hair growth, as nitrovasodilators, which activate KCa channels, do not affect hair growth.
