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Structure, Gating, and Clinical Implications of the Potassium Channel

  • Chapter
Ion Channels and Ion Pumps

Part of the book series: Endocrinology and Metabolism ((EAM,volume 6))

Abstract

Potassium ions are of paramount importance in living organisms. They play an essential role in cell metabolism, particularly in the synthesis of protein and glycogen, and in many enzymatic reactions, such as: (1) the hydrolysis of ATP, which supplies energy necessary for the active transport of ions and other substances; (2) the synthesis of acetyl-CoA, which is involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle; and (3) the activity of pyruvic Phosphokinase, which is necessary for the transfer of phosphate from phosphopyruvate to ADP. In addition, potassium ions maintain resting potentials across cell membranes, and thus control nerve and muscle tissue excitability. Although several factors may influence the redistribution of potassium between the intra- and the extracellular compartment, an exhaustive discussion is beyond the scope of this chapter.

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Authors
  1. Gianfranco Prestipino
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  2. Mario Nobile
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  3. Egidio Maestrone
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. 48323, 2104 Rhine Road, West Bloomfield, MI, USA

    Piero P. Foà M.D., Sc.D. (Professor Emeritus) (Professor Emeritus)

  2. Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, 48202, Detroit, MI, USA

    Piero P. Foà M.D., Sc.D. (Professor Emeritus) (Professor Emeritus)

  3. Section of Endocrinology,Department of Internal Medicine,School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 48202, Detroit, MI, USA

    Mary F. Walsh Ph.D. (Assistant Professor) (Assistant Professor)

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Prestipino, G., Nobile, M., Maestrone, E. (1994). Structure, Gating, and Clinical Implications of the Potassium Channel. In: Foà, P.P., Walsh, M.F. (eds) Ion Channels and Ion Pumps. Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol 6. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-2596-6_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-2596-6_13

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-7599-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-2596-6

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