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Role of K ATP channels in protection against neuronal excitatory insults
Author(s) -
Soundarapandian Mangala M.,
Zhong Xiaofen,
Peng Lisheng,
Wu Di,
Lu Youming
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of neurochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.75
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1471-4159
pISSN - 0022-3042
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.04963.x
Subject(s) - excitatory postsynaptic potential , neuroscience , chemistry , biophysics , biology , inhibitory postsynaptic potential
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.