Activation of K_ATP channels suppresses glucose production in humans

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Abstract

Increased endogenous glucose production (EGP) is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus. While there is evidence for central regulation of EGP by activation of hypothalamic ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in rodents, whether these central pathways contribute to regulation of EGP in humans remains to be determined. Here we present evidence for central nervous system regulation of EGP in humans that is consistent with complementary rodent studies. Oral administration of the KATP channel activator diazoxide under fixed hormonal conditions substantially decreased EGP in nondiabetic humans and Sprague Dawley rats. In rats, comparable doses of oral diazoxide attained appreciable concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid, and the effects of oral diazoxide were abolished by i.c.v. administration of the KATP channel blocker glibenclamide. These results suggest that activation of hypothalamic KATP channels may be an important regulator of EGP in humans and that this pathway could be a target for treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Authors

Preeti Kishore, Laura Boucai, Kehao Zhang, Weijie Li, Sudha Koppaka, Sylvia Kehlenbrink, Anna Schiwek, Yonah B. Esterson, Deeksha Mehta, Samar Bursheh, Ya Su, Roger Gutierrez-Juarez, Radhika Muzumdar, Gary J. Schwartz, Meredith Hawkins