Abstract

Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (K_Ca) channels of small (SK) and intermediate (IK) conductance are present in a wide range of excitable and non-excitable cells. On activation by low concentrations of Ca²⁺, they open, which results in hyperpolarization of the membrane potential and changes in cellular excitability. K_Ca-channel activation also counteracts further increases in intracellular Ca²⁺, thereby regulating the concentration of this ubiquitous intracellular messenger in space and time. K_Ca channels have various functions, including the regulation of neuronal firing properties, blood flow and cell proliferation. The cloning of SK and IK channels has prompted investigations into their gating, pharmacology and organization into calcium-signalling domains, and has provided a framework that can be used to correlate molecularly identified K_Ca channels with their native currents.

Author affiliations

1. Wellcome Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
   Email: m.stocker@ucl.ac.uk

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