Maturation represents a process characterized by adaptive changes, particularly in the circulatory system. However, it is not known whether, in neonates, potassium channels contribute to NO-induced vasorelaxation at all and, if so, which potassium channels these are. Therefore, this study tested the hypothesis that potassium channels mediate NO-induced vasorelaxation in newborn rats. Young (10- to 15-day-old) and adult (2- to 3-month-old) male rats were studied using real-time PCR, isometric myography, and the sharp microelectrode technique on saphenous arteries. We observed prominent mRNA expression of several distinct isoforms of potassium channel families known to potentially mediate SNP-induced vasodilation. Further, in both adult and young rats, SNP can relax vessels independently of potassium channels. A solely potassium channel-independent anticontractile effect of SNP was observed also when either Kir6, or Kir2, or Kv2 channels, respectively, were available in both adult and young rats. However, when Kv1 channels were available, a Kv1 channel-dependent component contributed to the anticontractile effect of SNP in young rats. When BK