Recently, a role for adenosine 5'-triphosphate(ATP)-sensitive potassium channels in the regulation of cholecystokinin (CCK) secretion has been described in STC-1 cells, an intestinal CCK-secreting cell line. To examine whether a similar mechanism might participate in the regulation of hormone secretion from native CCK cells, the effects of two established inhibitors of ATP-sensitive potassium channels (e.g. glucose, disopyramide) were examined on CCK release from dispersed murine intestinal cells. Both glucose and disopyramide were found to stimulate CCK secretion. Furthermore, CCK release induced by glucose was inhibited by the calcium channel blocker diltiazem. It is concluded that, ATP-sensitive potassium channels may play a role in the regulation of intestinal CCK secretion.