Structure-activity relationships of a novel group of large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK) channel modulators: the GoSlo-SR family.

Opening up ion channels: We synthesised a series of anthraquinone analogues, called the GoSlo-SR family. Their effects on bladder smooth muscle BK channels were examined and, as shown, shifted voltage dependent activation >-100 mV (at 10 μM). They were more efficacious than NS11021 and could provide a new scaffold for the design of efficacious BK openers.