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Control of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal stress axis activity by the intermediate conductance calcium‐activated potassium channel, SK4
Author(s) -
Liang Zhi,
Chen Lie,
McClafferty Heather,
Lukowski Robert,
MacGregor Duncan,
King Jonathan T.,
Rizzi Sandra,
Sausbier Matthias,
McCobb David P.,
Knaus HansGuenther,
Ruth Peter,
Shipston Michael J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jphysiol.2011.219378
Subject(s) - corticotropic cell , endocrinology , medicine , anterior pituitary , adrenocorticotropic hormone , chemistry , bk channel , ion channel , potassium channel , hormone , receptor
Non‐technical summary Our ability to respond to stress is critically dependent upon the release of the stress hormone adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) from corticotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland. ACTH release is controlled by the electrical properties of corticotrophs that are determined by the movement of ions through channel pores in the plasma membrane. We show that a calcium‐activated potassium ion channel called SK4 is expressed in corticotrophs and regulates ACTH release. We provide evidence of how SK4 channels control corticotroph function, which is essential for understanding homeostasis and for treating stress‐related disorders.