Mechanisms of the glycaemic effects of sulfonylureas.
Sulfonylureas are widely used to treat non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. These drugs exert their hypoglycaemic effects by stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreatic beta-cell. Their primary mechanism of action is to close ATP-sensitive K-channels in the beta-cell plasma membrane, and so initiate a chain of events which results in insulin release. Recent studies have shown that the beta-cell ATP-sensitive K-channel is a complex of two proteins: a pore-forming subunit (Kir6.2) and a drug-binding subunit (SUR1) which functions as the receptor for sulfonylureas. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanism of sulfonylurea action, focusing on the relationship between the sulfonylurea receptor and the K-ATP channel. Earlier studies are also re-examined in the light of new findings.
Ashcroft
F M
FM
University Laboratory of Physiology, Oxford, U.K.
D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000494:pharmacology; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D011955:Receptors, Drug / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism; D013453:Sulfonylurea Compounds / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D064233:Sulfonylurea Receptors
C577507:ABCC8 protein, human; D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D015221:Potassium Channels; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D011955:Receptors, Drug; D013453:Sulfonylurea Compounds; D064233:Sulfonylurea Receptors; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate