Most articles describe that insulin increases the potassium uptake by the cells. And the mechanism is totally independent on glucose uptake. Also, we assume that insulin enhances the Na/K pump, but this action is momentary and will not share in reducing plasma K+.
So what is the mechanism of action of insulin on K+??
For the beginning, I would recommend to read review:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9590566
Hello Gregory, do you think that the effect can be due to the activation of Na+/K+-ATPase of the cardiovascular system? I think it is not enough for lowering the K+ level? or please give me your opinion.
Islam,
I have no personal experience experimental in this area, but according to the literature , insulin is a modulator of Na+/K+-ATPase functionality. For ex.:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19915586
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20303969
I think the current feelings are that insulin receptor binding promotes the translocation of Na-K-ATPase to the plasma membrane. It's used clinically to transiently lower high levels of plasma K.
Thanks Mark for your feedback. But by this mechanism the insulin will affect the membrane potential of the cardiac muscles, am I right? and for how long does the insulin work to lower K+? I know that insulin half life time is about 5 min and that is very long time and may affect the heart!
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Medical Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacology