Hippophaea Rhamnoides Interferes With Insulin Release Via L-Type Ca2+

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus continues to be a world public health problem, having a cascade of complications generated by the oxidative Stress induced by the hyperglycaemia. Our aim was to observe the Hippophaea rhamnoides extract involvement in insulin release via L-type Ca2+ channel-mediated pathway and its antioxidant effect. Experiments were performed on white, male, Wistar rats, organized as follows: group 1: control-standard diet, group 2: rats fed a diet enriched in sea buckthorne: (Hippophaea rhamnoides) in a high concentration and glucose, group 3: rats fed a diet enriched in sea buckthorne in a low concentration and glucose, group 4: rats treated with L-type Ca2+ channel blocker (Nifedipine), fed a diet enriched in sea buckthorn in a high concentration and glucose, group 5: rats treated with Nifedipine, fed a diet enriched in a low concentration and glucose, group 6: rats fed a diet enriched in glucose and group 7: rats fed a standard diet and treated with Nifedipine. Glycemia level, oxidative stress markers and antioxidant defense were assessed from pancreas after 10 days of experiment. The high concentration of Hippophaea rhamnoides and Nifedipine administration increased glycemia level and oxidative stress markers, probably through a long-lasting elevation of Ca2+, evoking the Ca2+ toxicity and consequent dysfunction of islet ?-cells. Hippophaea rhamnoides interferes with insulin release via L-type Ca2+ channel-mediated pathway in rat islet ?-cells. A new approach regarding fitotherapeutical alternatives in diabetes mellitus has to be considered.