Ischemia in type 2 diabetes: tissue selectivity of sulfonylureas and clinical implications.

Sulfonylureas act by inhibition of beta-cell adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium (K(ATP)) channels after binding to the sulfonylurea subunit 1 receptor (SUR1). However, K(ATP) channels are also expressed in cardiac and vascular myocytes coupled to different receptor subtypes. These are thought to be involved in adaption of vascular tone and myocardial contractility. This brief review is intended to assess the interactions between sulfonylureas and extrapancreatic K(ATP) receptors in type 2 diabetic patients. Different models addressing the possible influence of sulfonylureas on vascular function are discussed.