ATP-sensitive Kt channels are composed of sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) and inward rectifier Kt channel subunit Kir6.2.Two subtypes of SUR have been identified: SUR] constitutes the pancreatic fl-cell channel, while a recent Northern blot analysis suggests the broad distribution of SUR2, which is most intensely expressed in the ovary.Cellular distribution of SUR2 mRNA was investigated by use of an in sim hybridization technique in several organs, including the ovary, testis and adrenal gland, of adult rats.Intense and selective expression of SUR2 mRNA was detected in sex hormone-producing cells of the ovary, testis and adrenal gland.In the ovary, intense signals for SUR2 mRNA were found in the theca folliculi (theca interna), corpus luteum, and interstitial gland.Leydig cells and the zona reticularis were selectively labeled in the testis and adrenal gland, respectively.Since mRNA for l(ir6.2 is absent or expressed at very low levels in the reproductive organs and adrenal gland, a novel function for SUR, such as transport of steroids, is suggested in these organs.
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Yanase et al. (1998) studied this question.