Roles of KATP channels as metabolic sensors in acute metabolic changes

J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2005 Jun;38(6):917-25. doi: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2004.11.019. Epub 2005 Feb 5.

Abstract

Physiological and pathophysiological roles of K(ATP) channels have been clarified recently in genetically engineered mice. The Kir6.2-containing K(ATP) channels in pancreatic ss-cells and the hypothalamus are essential in the regulation of glucose-induced insulin secretion and hypoglycemia-induced glucagon secretion, respectively, and are involved in glucose uptake in skeletal muscles, thus playing a key role in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. Disruption of Kir6.1-containing K(ATP) channels in mice leads to spontaneous vascular spasm mimicking vasospastic (Prinzmetal) angina in humans, indicating that the Kir6.1-containing K(ATP) channels in vascular smooth muscles participate in the regulation of vascular tonus, especially in coronary arteries. Together with protective roles of K(ATP) channels against cardiac ischemia and hypoxia-induced seizure propagation, it is now clear that K(ATP) channels, as metabolic sensors, are critical in the maintenance of homeostasis against acute metabolic changes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / metabolism
  • Angina Pectoris, Variant / drug therapy
  • Animals
  • Coronary Vessels / metabolism
  • Exocytosis
  • Glucagon / chemistry
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin Secretion
  • Islets of Langerhans / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins / metabolism
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / cytology
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Potassium Channels / metabolism
  • Potassium Channels / physiology*
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / chemistry
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / genetics
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / metabolism
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / physiology
  • Receptors, Drug / metabolism
  • Sulfonylurea Compounds / pharmacology
  • Sulfonylurea Receptors

Substances

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Insulin
  • Kir6.2 channel
  • Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins
  • Potassium Channels
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying
  • Receptors, Drug
  • Sulfonylurea Compounds
  • Sulfonylurea Receptors
  • Glucagon
  • Glucose