Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir6.1 , Kir6.2

Title: Sulfonylurea receptor 1 subunits of ATP-sensitive potassium channels and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Authors: David J Lefer, Colin G Nichols, William A Coetzee

Journal, date & volume: Trends Cardiovasc. Med., 2009 Feb , 19, 61-7

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19577714

Abstract
K(ATP) channels are generally cardioprotective under conditions of metabolic impairment, consisting of pore-forming (Kir6.1 and/or Kir6.2) and sulphonylurea-binding, modulatory subunits [sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) 1, 2A, or 2B]. Cardiovascular K(ATP) channels are generally thought to consist of Kir6.2/SUR2A subunits (in the case of heart muscle) or Kir6.1/SUR2B subunits (smooth muscle), whereas SUR1-containing channels have well-documented roles in pancreatic insulin release. Recent data, however, demonstrated the presence of SUR1 subunits in mouse cardiac tissue (particularly in atria) and a surprising protection from myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in SUR1-null mice. Here, we review some of the extra-pancreatic roles assigned to SUR1 subunits and consider whether these might be involved in the sequelae of ischemia/reperfusion.