Sulfonylurea

A group of compounds that stimulate insulin production by regulating insulin secretion and lower blood sugar level; it is used to treat patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes. These drugs interact with the sulfonylurea receptor of pancreatic β cells and inhibit the conductance of ATP-dependent K⁺ ion channels. Reduction of potassium exit activates the inward rectifying Ca²⁺ channels and promotes exocytosis. Sulfonylureas are inhibitors of the acetolactate synthase enzyme and there are also sulfonylurea herbicides. ion channels, diabetes, herbicides