Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction as an Antihypertensive Drug
Published on: May 17, 2024
Mechanisms of the glycaemic effects of sulfonylureas
1University Laboratory of Physiology, Oxford, U.K.
Abstract:
Sulfonylureas are widely used to treat non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. These drugs exert their hypoglycaemic effects by stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreatic beta-cell. Their primary mechanism of action is to close ATP-sensitive K-channels in the beta-cell plasma membrane, and so initiate a chain of events which results in insulin release. Recent studies have shown that the beta-cell ATP-sensitive K-channel is a complex of two proteins: a pore-forming subunit (Kir6.2) and a drug-binding subunit (SUR1) which functions as the receptor for sulfonylureas. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanism of sulfonylurea action, focusing on the relationship between the sulfonylurea receptor and the K-ATP channel. Earlier studies are also re-examined in the light of new findings.
More Related Videos
06:35Using Gold-standard Gait Analysis Methods to Assess Experience Effects on Lower-limb Mechanics During Moderate High-heeled Jogging and Running
Published on: September 14, 2017
07:34A Cost-effective and Reliable Method to Predict Mechanical Stress in Single-use and Standard Pumps
Published on: August 5, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Sulfonylureas
Buffer Effectiveness
The buffer capacity is the amount of acid or base that can be added to a given volume...
Framing Effects
Reaction Mechanisms
For instance, the decomposition of ozone appears to follow a mechanism with two steps:
Mechanical Protein Functions
Biological Effects of Radiation