Subtypes of K+ channels differentiated by the effect of K+ channel openers upon K+ channel blocker-induced seizures.

Intracerebroventricular injection of mast-cell degranulating peptide (MCD), dendrotoxin I (DTXI) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), 3 blockers of a subclass of K+ channel, produces seizures and convulsions. Three different K+ channel openers are potent blockers of MCD-induced hyperexicitatory effects when they are administered preventively but they are unable to inhibit the epileptogenic effects induced by DTXI and 4-AP which were thought to block the same K+ channel which is blocked by MCD.