Minoxidil Opens Mitochondrial KATP Channels and Confers Cardioprotection

The study found that minoxidil, a drug used for hair growth, can activate mitochondrial KATP channels in the heart, which can protect the heart from damage and improve recovery after ischemia/reperfusion. Minoxidil was found to be more potent in opening mitoKATP channels than sarcKATP channels in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. The study suggests that minoxidil has potential as a cardioprotective agent, but its clinical utility may be limited by significant side effects.