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

摘要

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.