Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: BKβ

Title: Apical potassium (BK) channels and enhanced potassium secretion in human colon.

Authors: G I Sandle, M Hunter

Journal, date & volume: QJM, 2010 Feb , 103, 85-9

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19892809

Abstract
The human colon has the capacity to secrete potassium (K(+)) ions and enhanced K(+) secretion is a feature of a variety of diarrhoeal diseases. Recent work points to K(+) secretion in human colon being mediated by high conductance (BK) K(+) channels located in the apical membrane of colonic epithelial cells. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of these channels in maintaining K(+) homoeostasis in health and disease.