Nitric Oxide Activates ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels in Mammalian Sensory Neurons: Action by Direct S-Nitrosylation

Abstract

NO activates KATP channels in large DRG neurons via direct S-nitrosylation of cysteine residues in the SUR1 subunit. The capacity of NO to activate KATP channels via this mechanism remains intact even after spinal nerve ligation, thus providing opportunities for selective pharmacological enhancement of KATP current even after decrease of this current by painful-like nerve injury.