Figure 1. [Cl^–]_i β-cell regulation.

β-cells exhibit an [Cl^–]_i ≈  34 mM, i.e. ∼3.4-times above the predicted thermodynamic equilibrium. Therefore, the functional prevalence of Cl^– loaders over Cl^– extruders makes possible the efflux of the anion upon Cl^– channel opening. The expression pattern of some of the Cl^– transporters and channels already identified and others in β-cells are currently being mapped. Shown are those partially/fully supported by experimental evidence (e.g. Nkccs, Kccs, Ano1/2, Cftr, GABA_A, GlyR and VRAC).