Hip fracture rates and bisphosphonate consumption in Spain. An ecologic study.

Introduction: Bisphosphonates are used worldwide to treat osteoporosis and, thus, to prevent fractures. Though they have been proven in clinical trials to avoid some fractures, their effectiveness in reducing hip fractures is unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between bisphosphonate use and hip fracture trends in Spain.

Relaxation gating of the acetylcholine-activated inward rectifier K+ current is mediated by intrinsic voltage sensitivity of the muscarinic receptor.

Normal heart rate variability is critically dependent upon the G-protein-coupled, acetylcholine (ACh)-activated inward rectifier K+ current, I(KACh). A unique feature of I(KACh) is the so-called ‘relaxation' gating property that contributes to increased current at hyperpolarized membrane potentials. I(KACh) relaxation refers to a slow decrease or increase in current magnitude with depolarization or hyperpolarization, respectively.