The functional role of coronary vascular ATP-sensitive potassium (K(+)ATP) channels in the regulation of coronary blood flow (CBF) has not been determined in chronic heart failure (CHF). To test the hypothesis that K(+)ATP channels contribute to myocardial perfusion in HF, we examined the effects of intracoronary infusion of glibenclamide, an inhibitor of K(+)ATP channels, on basal CBF in control and CHF dogs. CHF was produced in mongrel dogs by pacing the right ventricle for 4 weeks. Under anesthesia, CBF in the left anterior descending coronary artery, other hemodynamic and metabolic parameters, or regional myocardial blood flow were measured. Basal CBF was less in CHF dogs than in controls. Glibenclamide at the graded doses (5, 15 and 50 mu g.kg(-1).min(-1)) decreased CBF in both control and CHF dogs. The percentage decrease in CBF with glibenclamide at 50 mu g.kg(-1).min(-1) was greater (p<0.01) in CHF dogs than in controls. The greater decrease in CBF with glibenclamide at 50 mu g.kg(-1).min(-1) was associated with myocardial ischemia. Glibenclamide decreased myocardial blood flow in each sublayer of the myocardium in the 2 groups. These results suggest chat the basal activity of coronary vascular K(+)ATP channels is increased in CHF dogs but not in controls. This may contribute to the maintenance of myocardial perfusion in CHF.