ATP‐sensitive K+ channels in human isolated pancreatic B‐cells

Abstract
Glucose‐stimulated insulin release from rodent pancreatic B‐cells is thought to be initiated by the closing of ATP‐sensitive K+ channels in the plasma membrane as a consequence of glucose metabolism. We have identified an ATP‐sensitive K+ channel in membrane patches excised from human B‐cells which is similar to that found in rodent B‐cells in conductance, kinetics, ATP sensitivity and its inhibition by sulphonylureas. In man, the ATP‐sensitive K+ channel may also have a central role in glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion and may be (linked to) the receptor for the hypoglycemic sulphonylureas.