ATP sensitive Potassium channels ATP sensitive K+ channels couple intracellular metabolism with membrane excitability. These channels are inhibited by ATP so are open in low metabolic states and close in high metabolic states, resulting in membrane depolarization triggering responses such as insulin secretion, modulation of vascular smooth muscle and cardioprotection. The channel comprises four Kir6.x subunits and four regulatory sulphonylurea receptors (SUR) (Akrouh et al, 2009). Authored: Mahajan, SS, 2011-05-18 Edited: Mahajan, SS, 2011-05-23 Pubmed18258787 Pubmed19787700 Reactome Database ID Release 431296025 Reactome, http://www.reactome.org ReactomeREACT_75775 Reviewed: Jassal, B, 2010-09-23 PathwayStep3396 PathwayStep3397 Activation of ATP sensitive Potassium channels in muscle cells Activation of ATP sensitive Potassium channels in neuroendocrine cells