Membrane Potential-Dependent Inactivation of Voltage-Gated Ion Channels in α-Cells Inhibits Glucagon Secretion From Human Islets

Abstract

Human alpha-cells are electrically excitable, and blockade of any ion channel involved in action potential depolarization or repolarization results in inhibition of glucagon secretion. We propose that voltage-dependent inactivation of these channels underlies the inhibition of glucagon secretion by tolbutamide and glucose.