K(ATP)-channels and glucose-regulated glucagon secretion.

Journal article

Glucagon, secreted by the alpha-cells of the pancreatic islets, is the most important glucose-increasing hormone of the body. The precise regulation of glucagon release remains incompletely defined but has been proposed to involve release of inhibitory factors from neighbouring beta-cells (paracrine control). However, the observation that glucose can regulate glucagon secretion under conditions when insulin secretion does not occur argues that the alpha-cell is also equipped with its own intrinsic (exerted within the alpha-cell itself) glucose sensing. Here we consider the possible mechanisms involved with a focus on ATP-regulated K(+)-channels and changes in alpha-cell membrane potential.

Authors: Rorsman, P; Salehi, SA; Abdulkader, F; Braun, M; MacDonald, P

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Trends in endocrinology and metabolism: TEM
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 277-284
• Publication date: 2008-10-01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2008.07.003
• EISSN: 1879-3061
• ISSN: 1043-2760
• Language: English
• Keywords: Glucagon-Secreting Cells; Models, Biological; Tolbutamide; Membrane Potentials; Hypoglycemic Agents; Humans; KATP Channels; Animals; Glucagon; Paracrine Communication; Diabetes Mellitus; Glucose