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

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.