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
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / metabolism
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Angina Pectoris, Variant / drug therapy
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Animals
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Coronary Vessels / metabolism
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Exocytosis
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Glucagon / chemistry
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Glucose / metabolism
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Humans
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Insulin / metabolism
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Insulin Secretion
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Islets of Langerhans / metabolism
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Mice
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Mice, Transgenic
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Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins / metabolism
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Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / cytology
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Neurons / metabolism
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Potassium Channels / metabolism
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Potassium Channels / physiology*
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Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / chemistry
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Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / genetics
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Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / metabolism
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Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / physiology
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Receptors, Drug / metabolism
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Sulfonylurea Compounds / pharmacology
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Sulfonylurea Receptors
Substances
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ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
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Insulin
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Kir6.2 channel
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Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins
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Potassium Channels
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Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying
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Receptors, Drug
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Sulfonylurea Compounds
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Sulfonylurea Receptors
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Glucagon
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Glucose