Ion channels and insulin secretion

Abstract

Pancreatic beta cells respond to glucose and other secretagogues with electrical activity. Action potentials are the primary electrical signal of the beta cell and are shaped by the orchestrated flux of ions through various types of ion channels. The expression of a diverse set of ion channels allows dynamic modulation of action potentials in response to multiple input signals. This chapter provides an overview of the ion channels of the beta cell and their role in the regulation of insulin secretion. © 2008 Springer.