Alkali pH directly activates ATP-sensitive K+ channels and inhibits insulin secretion in β-cells

Glucose stimulation of pancreatic β-cells is reported to lead to sustained alkalization, while extracellular application of weak bases is reported to inhibit electrical activity and decrease insulin secretion. We hypothesize that β-cell KATP channel activity is modulated by alkaline pH. Using the excised patch–clamp technique, we demonstrate a direct stimulatory action of alkali pH on recombinant SUR1/Kir6.2 channels due to increased open probability. Bath application of alkali pH similarly activates native islet β-cell KATP channels, leading to an inhibition of action potentials, and hyperpolarization of membrane potential. In situ pancreatic perfusion confirms that these cellular effects of alkali pH are observable at a functional level, resulting in decreases in both phase 1 and phase 2 glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Our data are the first to report a stimulatory effect of a range of alkali pH on KATP channel activity and link this to downstream effects on islet β-cell function.