Benzopyran derivatives as cardio-selective ATP-sensitive potassium channel openers: a review.

Benzopyran derivatives are the potassium channel openers (KCOs) having antihypertensive, cardio-protective, myocardial protectors, powerful peripheral vasodilators and anti-ischemic activity. Their usage as anti-ischemic including angina, hypertension and diabetes is thought to be due to the stimulation of KATP channels which are contemplated to produce vasorelaxation and myocardial protection. It is observed that potassium channels are involved in mediating the cardio-protective effects of pre-conditioning in animal models and man. KCOs protect heart from an ischemic insult without contribution from vasodilatation. This review provides an overview of the characteristics of KCOs and their actions on subtypes used widely for the treatments of various diseases including hypertension, cardiac ischemia, arrhythmia, smooth muscle relaxation, diabetes, cardio-protective and anti-angiogenic activities.