Merck + Co., Inc.

Richard J Swanson

Joseph J Salata

Joseph J Lynch, Jr

Bernard Fermini

Maria L Garcia

Gregory J Kaczorowski

Owen B McManus

Reid J Leonard

Kimberly L Folander

A method of treating or preventing supraventricular tachyarrhythmias is disclosed which comprises the use of a compound which selectively blocks the ultra-rapidly-activating delayed rectifier K,current (I,) of the human atrium.

Methods of treating or preventing cardiac arrhythmia

This application discloses a method of treating or preventing atrial arrhythmias which utilizes compounds which are blockers of the ultra-rapidly-activating delayed rectifier K,current (I,) of the human atrium in a use-dependent and/or rate dependent manner, and which provide the selective block preferentially at fast heart rates so that the effect is realized or maximized when required.

This application discloses a method of treating or preventing atrial arrhythmias which utilizes compounds which are blockers of the ultra-rapidly-activating delayed rectifier K.sup.+ current (I.sub.Kur) of the human atrium in a use-dependent and/or rate dependent manner, and which provide the selective block preferentially at fast heart rates so that the effect is realized or maximized when required.

A method of treating or preventing supraventricular tachyarrhythmias is disclosed which comprises the use of a compound which selectively blocks the ultra-rapidly-activating delayed rectifier K.sup.+ current (I.sub.Kur) of the human atrium.

DNA encoding the .beta. subunit of a mammalian maxi-K potassium channel

Disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the .beta. subunit of the mammalian large-conductance ('maxi-K') potassium channel, cells transformed with such nucleic acids, and .beta. subunit proteins produced by the transformed cells. Within the invention are recombinant host cells expressing .alpha..beta. heteromultimers. Such cells or preparations made from them may be used to screen for pharmacologically active modulators of maxi-K channel activity. Such modulators are potentially useful in treating asthma, pregnant human myometrium, hypertension and angina, cerebral ischemia, and conditions where stimulation of neurotransmitter release is desired, such as in Alzheimer's disease and stimulation of damaged nerves.

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Lansdale, PA, United States of America

Richard J Swanson