ATP sensitive potassium channels (KATP channels) appear widely distributed in the vascular system. At the single channel level, channels with both small and large conductance have been described, though the former appear to be activated by potassium channel openers or ATP depletion in whole cell studies. KATP channels are inhibited by cytoplasmic ATP, and may be activated by intracellular nucleotide diphosphates. Regulation by intracellular metabolites confers a degree of sensitivity of the channel to the metabolic status of the cell, and there is evidence that KATP currents are activated during metabolic inhibition. In general, activation of KATP channels will lead to membrane hyperpolarisation and so to vasorelaxation. The functional role of the channel is being intensively studied at present. The channel may form a target for a number of endogenous vasodilators, and may be inhibited by some vasoconstrictors. It may be involved in the vasodilator response to hypoxia, and may contribute to the resting membrane potential of smooth muscle in some blood vessels.