Insulin-induced hyperpolarization as a transducer of insulin action: response within one second.

We are testing the hypothesis that hyperpolarization is a transducer of insulin action. We listed three criteria that must be met if the hypothesis is to be demonstrated to be correct. So far, questions based on the first two of these criteria have been subjected to test. We have answered, in part, the second condition: electrically-produced hyperpolarization in the absence of insulin was insulinomimetic insofar as it increased specific D-glucose transport. Now we have addressed the first criterion. Insulin-induced hyperpolarization can occur in less than 1 sec, a response more rapid than any other reported effect of insulin. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that hyperpolarization is a transducer of insulin action.