Hyperglycemia & K+ channel openers

[vsmedic]

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Here's my question.

K+ channel openers cause Hyperglycemia as a side effect. What about K= channel blockers, i would think they would cause hypoglycemia, but haven't seen it stated anywhere. Anyone confirm?

Tia

 

[Mortal_Lessons]

Here's my question.

K+ channel openers cause Hyperglycemia as a side effect. What about K= channel blockers, i would think they would cause hypoglycemia, but haven't seen it stated anywhere. Anyone confirm?

Tia

Yes, you are correct in your thinking.

Pancreatic beta cells which secrete insulin have ATP-sensitive K+ channels. When these channels close (and the flux of K+ out of the cell is diminished), the cells depolarize, which in turn activates Ca++ channels, leading to an influx of calcium, and a release of insulin. This leads to a hypoglycemic effect.

Sulfonylureas are one class of drugs that block the ATP-sensitive K+ channel, leading to a hypoglycemic effect.

 

[vsmedic]

Yes, you are correct in your thinking.

Pancreatic beta cells which secrete insulin have ATP-sensitive K+ channels. When these channels close (and the flux of K+ out of the cell is diminished), the cells depolarize, which in turn activates Ca++ channels, leading to an influx of calcium, and a release of insulin. This leads to a hypoglycemic effect.

Sulfonylureas are one class of drugs that block the ATP-sensitive K+ channel, leading to a hypoglycemic effect.

Thank you. Very well explained btw. Good luck mate