Effects of sulfonylureas, alpha-endosulfine counterparts, on glomerulosclerosis in type 1 and type 2 models of diabetes.

Background: Previously, we showed the expression of a unique sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) and its putative endogenous ligand, alpha-endosulfine, in mesangial cells and isolated glomeruli. Further, this ligand was up-regulated by high glucose concentration. To investigate the possible role of alpha-endosulfine up-regulation in diabetes, we administered sulfonylureas, the exogenous ligands of SUR, to diabetic animals.