Effect of Potassium Channel Openers on Potassium Channels in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

The study investigated the effects of K+ channel openers on K+ channels in cultured human dermal papilla cells, focusing on minoxidil sulfate and pinacidil, known for inducing hair growth. 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.