Glucose induces closure of single potassium channels in isolated rat pancreatic β-cells (original) (raw)

Nature volume 312, pages 446–448 (1984)Cite this article

Abstract

The major physiological stimulus for the secretion of insulin from the pancreatic _β_-cell is an increase in the plasma glucose concentration. It is well established that glucose-stimulated insulin secretion is associated with the appearance of electrical activity in the _β_-cell1,2; glucose concentrations above the threshold level for insulin release produce a slow membrane depolarization followed by either oscillatory bursts of action potentials (5–15 mM glucose) or continuous spiking (>16mM glucose). Tracer flux studies3 and microelectrode measurements using intact islets of Langerhans4 have indicated that the initial depolarization induced by glucose is caused by a decrease in the resting membrane permeability to potassium. Evidence also suggests that the electrical5, ionic6 and secretory responses7,8 to glucose are mediated by the metabolism of the sugar within the _β_-cell. By using cell-attached membrane patches9 from isolated rat pancreatic _β_-cells, we have now identified a potassium channel (G-channel) that is active at the resting potential and is inhibited by glucose. Closure of this channel requires glucose metabolism. This is the first report of a potassium channel whose activity is modulated by glucose, and which may couple metabolic and ionic events involved in the secretion of insulin.

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Author notes

  1. Donna E. Harrison and Stephen J. H. Ashcroft: Nuffield Department of Clinical Biochemistry, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University Laboratory of Physiology, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
    Frances M. Ashcroft, Donna E. Harrison & Stephen J. H. Ashcroft

Authors

  1. Frances M. Ashcroft
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  2. Donna E. Harrison
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  3. Stephen J. H. Ashcroft
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Ashcroft, F., Harrison, D. & Ashcroft, S. Glucose induces closure of single potassium channels in isolated rat pancreatic _β_-cells.Nature 312, 446–448 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1038/312446a0

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