title: Role of K(ATP) channels in protection against neuronal excitatory insults.
abstract: ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels that are gated by intracellular ATP/ADP concentrations are a unique subtype of potassium channels and play an essential role in coupling intracellular metabolic events to electrical activity. Opening of K(ATP) channels during energy deficits in the CNS induces efflux of potassium ions and in turn hyperpolarizes neurons. Thus, activation of K(ATP) channels is thought to be able to counteract excitatory insults and protect against neuronal death. In this review, we bring together recent studies about what kinds of molecules are needed to build and regulate arrays of K(ATP) channel functions in the CNS neurons. We propose a model to explain how K(ATP) channel activation regulates glutamate release from the pre-synaptic terminals and how this regulation protects against ischemic neuronal injury and epilepsy.
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Science Center, Burnett College of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Mangala M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Soundarapandian
authors.forename: Xiaofen
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhong
authors.forename: Lisheng
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Peng
authors.forename: Di
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Youming
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity; D015640:Ion Channel Gating; D008954:Models, Biological; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D018698:Glutamic Acid