Glucose-stimulated Insulin Release Research Articles

Metformin Ameliorates Dysfunctional Traits of Glibenclamide- and Glucose-Induced Insulin Secretion by Suppression of Imposed Overactivity of the Islet Nitric Oxide Synthase-NO System.

Metformin lowers diabetic blood glucose primarily by reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis and increasing peripheral glucose uptake. However, possible effects by metformin on beta-cell function are incompletely understood. We speculated that metformin might positively influence insulin secretion through impacting the beta-cell nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-NO system, a negative modulator of glucose-stimulated insulin release. In short-time incubations with isolated murine islets either glibenclamide or high glucose augmented insulin release associated with increased NO production from both neural and inducible NOS. Metformin addition suppressed the augmented NO generation coinciding with amplified insulin release. Islet culturing with glibenclamide or high glucose revealed pronounced fluorescence of inducible NOS in the beta-cells being abolished by metformin co-culturing. These findings were reflected in medium nitrite-nitrate levels. A glucose challenge following islet culturing with glibenclamide or high glucose revealed markedly impaired insulin response. Metformin co-culturing restored this response. Culturing murine islets and human islets from controls and type 2 diabetics with high glucose or high glucose + glibenclamide induced a pronounced decrease of cell viability being remarkably restored by metformin co-culturing. We show here, that imposed overactivity of the beta-cell NOS-NO system by glibenclamide or high glucose leads to insulin secretory dysfunction and reduced cell viability and also, importantly, that these effects are relieved by metformin inhibiting beta-cell NO overproduction from both neural and inducible NOS thus ameliorating a concealed negative influence by NO induced by sulfonylurea treatment and/or high glucose levels. This double-edged effect of glibenclamide on the beta-cellsuggests sulfonylurea monotherapy in type 2 diabetes being avoided.

Mice with Deletion of Neuromedin B Receptor Exhibit Decreased Oral Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Release.

Neuromedin B (NB) and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) are bombesin-like peptides, found in the gastrointestinal tube and pancreas, among other tissues. Consistent data proposed that GRP stimulates insulin secretion, acting directly in pancreatic cells or in the release of gastrointestinal hormones that are incretins. However, the role of NB remains unclear. We examined the glucose homeostasis in mice with deletion of NB receptor (NBR-KO). Female NBR-KO exhibited similar fasting basal glucose with lower insulinemia (48.4%) and lower homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (50.5%) than wild type (WT). Additionally, they were more tolerant to oral glucose, demonstrated by a decrease in the area under the glucose curve (18%). In addition, 15 min after an oral glucose load, female and male NBR-KO showed lower insulin serum levels (45.6 and 26.8%, respectively) than WT, even though blood glucose rose to similar levels in both groups. Single injection of NB, one hour before the oral glucose administration, tended to induce higher serum insulin in WT (28.9%, p=0.3), however the same did not occur in NBR-KO. They showed no changes in fasting insulin content in pancreatic islets by immunohistochemistry, however, the fasting serum levels of glucagon-like peptide, a potent incretin, exhibited a strong trend to reduction (40%, p=0.07). Collectively, mice with deletion of NB receptor have lower insulinemia, especially in response to oral glucose, and females also exhibited a better glucose tolerance, suggesting the involvement of NB and its receptor in regulation of insulin secretion induced by incretins, and also, in insulin sensitivity.

Effects of Beta-Cell-Specific Insulin Resistance on Glucose Homeostasis and Body WeightImage 12

Type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity, tissue-specific insulin resistance, and eventually beta-cell failure and loss. It is unclear whether beta-cell-specific insulin resistance can play a causal role in diabetes pathogenesis. We assessed the progression of glucose and insulin tolerance, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and body weight over a year in male and female Insrf/f:Ins1Cre/wt knockout mice and Insrwt/wt:Ins1Cre/wt controls. In contrast to published data on Insrf/f:Rip-Cre mice, we did not observe glucose intolerance in male Insrf/f:Ins1Cre/wt mice until after 9 months of high-fat feeding. In high-fat fed females, Insrf/f:Ins1Cre/wt mice had modestly improved glucose tolerance at 21 weeks. This was associated with a modest elevation of glucose-stimulated insulin release as well as increased insulin sensitivity at 5 months of age in Insrf/f:Ins1Cre/wt mice. High-fat fed Insrf/f:Ins1Cre/wt females were also heavier from 7 to 16 weeks of age. Increased insulin sensitivity was still present at 9 months of age in female high-fat fed Insrf/f:Ins1Cre/wt mice and was associated with a striking lack of oral glucose-stimulated insulin release. Our data suggest that beta-cell-specific modulation of insulin secretion via insulin receptor deletion can have peripheral consequences for body weight regulation and insulin sensitivity. Together, our studies provide new information about the function of beta cell insulin receptors and will provide more insight into the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes.

Knockdown of ATP citrate lyase in pancreatic beta cells does not inhibit insulin secretion or glucose flux and implicates the acetoacetate pathway in insulin secretion

ObjectiveGlucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells requires metabolic signals including the generation of glucose-derived short chain acyl-CoAs in the cytosol from mitochondrially-derived metabolites. One concept of insulin secretion is that ATP citrate lyase generates short chain acyl-CoAs in the cytosol from mitochondrially-derived citrate. Of these, malonyl-CoA, is believed to be an important signal in insulin secretion. Malonyl-CoA is also a precursor for lipids. Our recent evidence suggested that, in the mitochondria of beta cells, glucose-derived pyruvate can be metabolized to acetoacetate that is exported to the cytosol and metabolized to the same short chain acyl-CoAs and fatty acids that can be derived from citrate. We tested for redundancy of the citrate pathway. MethodsWe inhibited ATP citrate lyase activity using hydroxycitrate as well as studying a stable cell line generated with shRNA knockdown of ATP citrate lyase in the pancreatic beta cell line INS-1 832/13. ResultsIn both instances glucose-stimulated insulin release was not inhibited. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that the flux of carbon from [U-13C]glucose and/or [U-13C]α-ketoisocaproic acid (KIC) into short chain acyl-CoAs in cells with hydroxycitrate-inhibited ATP citrate lyase or in the cell line with stable severe (>90%) shRNA knockdown of ATP citrate lyase was similar to the controls. Both 13C-glucose and 13C-KIC introduced substantial 13C labeling into acetyl-CoA, malonyl-CoA, and HMG-CoA under both conditions. Glucose flux into fatty acids was not affected by ATP citrate lyase knockdown. ConclusionThe results establish the involvement of the acetoacetate pathway in insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells.

Enterovirus infection of human islets of Langerhans affects β-cell function resulting in disintegrated islets, decreased glucose stimulated insulin secretion and loss of Golgi structure

Aims/hypothesisIn type 1 diabetes (T1D), most insulin-producing β cells are destroyed, but the trigger is unknown. One of the possible triggers is a virus infection and the aim of this...

High Seeding Density Induces Local Hypoxia and Triggers a Proinflammatory Response in Isolated Human Islets.

Hypoxia is the main threat to morphological and functional integrity of isolated pancreatic islets. Lack of oxygen seems to be of particular importance for functionality of encapsulated islets. The present study was initiated as an experimental model for the environment experienced by human islets in a confined space present during culture, shipment, and in an implanted macrodevice. Quadruplicate aliquots of isolated human islets (n = 12) were cultured for 24 h at 37°C under normoxic conditions using 24-well plates equipped with 8-µm pore size filter inserts and filled with islet aliquots adjusted to obtain a seeding density of 75, 150, 300, or 600 IEQ/cm(2). After culture viability, glucose-stimulated insulin release, DNA content as well as Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression were measured. Culture supernatants were collected to determine production of VEGF and MCP-1. Viability correlated inversely with IEQ seeding density (r = -0.71, p < 0.001), while the correlation of VEGF and MCP-1 secretion with seeding density was positive (r = 0.78, p < 0.001; r = 0.54, p < 0.001). Decreased viability corresponded with a significant increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA ratio at 300 and 600 IEQ/cm(2) and with a sigificantly reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and insulin content compared to 75 or 150 IEQ/cm(2) (p < 0.01). The present study demonstrates that the seeding density is inversely correlated with islet viability and in vitro function. This is associated with a significant increase in VEGF and MCP-1 release suggesting a hypoxic and proinflammatory islet microenvironment.

The F-actin modifier villin regulates insulin granule dynamics and exocytosis downstream of islet cell autoantigen 512.

ObjectiveInsulin release from pancreatic islet β cells should be tightly controlled to avoid hypoglycemia and insulin resistance. The cortical actin cytoskeleton is a gate for regulated exocytosis of insulin secretory granules (SGs) by restricting their mobility and access to the plasma membrane. Prior studies suggest that SGs interact with F-actin through their transmembrane cargo islet cell autoantigen 512 (Ica512) (also known as islet antigen 2/Ptprn). Here we investigated how Ica512 modulates SG trafficking and exocytosis.MethodsTranscriptomic changes in Ica512−/− mouse islets were analyzed. Imaging as well as biophysical and biochemical methods were used to validate if and how the Ica512-regulated gene villin modulates insulin secretion in mouse islets and insulinoma cells.ResultsThe F-actin modifier villin was consistently downregulated in Ica512−/− mouse islets and in Ica512-depleted insulinoma cells. Villin was enriched at the cell cortex of β cells and dispersed villin−/− islet cells were less round and less deformable. Basal mobility of SGs in villin-depleted cells was enhanced. Moreover, in cells depleted either of villin or Ica512 F-actin cages restraining cortical SGs were enlarged, basal secretion was increased while glucose-stimulated insulin release was blunted. The latter changes were reverted by overexpressing villin in Ica512-depleted cells, but not vice versa.ConclusionOur findings show that villin controls the size of the F-actin cages restricting SGs and, thus, regulates their dynamics and availability for exocytosis. Evidence that villin acts downstream of Ica512 also indicates that SGs directly influence the remodeling properties of the cortical actin cytoskeleton for tight control of insulin secretion.

Melatonin receptor 1B gene associated with hyperglycemia in bipolar disorder.

Bipolar patients are at a higher risk of developing metabolic disorders. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is twice the rate reported in the population. Antipsychotic medication increases the risk of metabolic abnormalities. However, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia have a similarly increased mortality from cardiovascular causes of death, although bipolar patients medicate with antipsychotic drugs to a much smaller extent than schizophrenic patients. Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia share substantial genetic risk components; thus, increased metabolic abnormalities is hypothesized to be an effect of specific sets of metabolic risk genes, which might overlap with the metabolic risk genes in schizophrenia. This study reports that a functional genetic variant of MTNR1B, previously implicated in the impairment of glucose-stimulated insulin release also in schizophrenia, was associated with elevated fasting glucose levels in bipolar patients and controls. This finding suggests that the MTNR1B-dependent vulnerability for elevated fasting plasma glucose levels is shared between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Allele UBE2E2 Is Associated With Decreased Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Release in Elderly Chinese Han Individuals.

Recently, rs163182 in KCNQ1, rs7612463 in UBE2E2, rs7119 in HMG20A, and rs6815464 in MAEA were discovered as type 2 diabetes (T2D) loci unique to Asians, and rs13342692 in SLC16A11 were newly reported as T2D loci in multiethnicities by genome-wide association (GWA) studies. The aim of the present study is to ascertain the potential associations between these variants and T2D risk in the Chinese population, and characterize diabetic-related quantitative traits underlying these variants.A total of 4268 Chinese Han individuals (1754 patients with T2D and 2514 glucose-tolerant health subjects, age ≥40 years) were genotyped for these 5 variants. All the health individuals underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and measures of insulin release and sensitivity were estimated from insulinogenic, BIGTT, Matsuda, and disposition indices. The associations were determined by using logistic regression analysis.After adjustment for age, sex, and BMI, rs163182 in KCNQ1 (P = 0.002) and rs7612463 in UBE2E2 (P = 0.024) were found to be associated with T2D risk in Chinese Han population. The risk C allele of rs7612463 in UBE2E2 is associated with decreased IGI (P = 0.001), BIGTT-AIR (P = 0.002), CIR (P = 0.002), and DI (P = 0.006). The other 4 variants did not associate with insulin release or sensitivity.UBE2E2 rs7612463 may mediate its diabetogenic impact on insulin response, which highly depends on the impairment of β-cell function.

A programmable synthetic lineage-control network that differentiates human IPSCs into glucose-sensitive insulin-secreting beta-like cells.

Synthetic biology has advanced the design of standardized transcription control devices that programme cellular behaviour. By coupling synthetic signalling cascade- and transcription factor-based gene switches with reverse and differential sensitivity to the licensed food additive vanillic acid, we designed a synthetic lineage-control network combining vanillic acid-triggered mutually exclusive expression switches for the transcription factors Ngn3 (neurogenin 3; OFF-ON-OFF) and Pdx1 (pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1; ON-OFF-ON) with the concomitant induction of MafA (V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homologue A; OFF-ON). This designer network consisting of different network topologies orchestrating the timely control of transgenic and genomic Ngn3, Pdx1 and MafA variants is able to programme human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSCs)-derived pancreatic progenitor cells into glucose-sensitive insulin-secreting beta-like cells, whose glucose-stimulated insulin-release dynamics are comparable to human pancreatic islets. Synthetic lineage-control networks may provide the missing link to genetically programme somatic cells into autologous cell phenotypes for regenerative medicine.

T-Helper Cell-Mediated Islet Inflammation Contributes to β-Cell Dysfunction in Chronic Pancreatitis.

Beta-cell dysfunction and endocrine insufficiency in chronic pancreatitis (CP) is considered as a late manifestation emanating from fibrosis. To ascertain the role of T-helper cells in β-cell dysfunction, we enumerated circulating T-cell subsets, examined their infiltration into pancreatic islets, and assessed islet functions. Pancreatic tissues and peripheral blood were obtained from CP patients with/without diabetes. T cells were enumerated on flow cytometry and by immunostaining. Islets were assessed for glucose-stimulated insulin release (GSIR) and apoptosis (Annexin V/caspase-3). Islet proteins were probed for insulin gene transcription factor. Circulating T-helper type 1 (Th1) cells were higher (P < 0.003) in CP patients with diabetes in comparison with control and CP patients without diabetes. Intra-islet colocalization of Th1 and Th17 cells was evident. In comparison with the controls, 2% ± 0.87% β cells from CP patients without diabetes were apoptotic whereas GSIR was decreased by 60% ± 12%, and 40% ± 9% from CP patients with diabetes were apoptotic, with minimal GSIR (1.42% ± 0.9%) in the remaining 60% viable cells. Western blots of islet proteins revealed an increase in STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1) and a decrease in phosphorylated pancreatic duodenal homeobox (Pdx-1). T cell-mediated inflammation is associated with β-cell dysfunction during progression of CP.

Characterization of Islets from Chronic Calcific Pancreatitis Patients of Tropical Region with Distinct Phenotype

Background and Objective: Islet autotransplantation is performed to preserve endocrine function in patients undergoing pancreatic resections for painful chronic pancreatitis. We characterized islets isolated from chronic pancreatitis patients (CP) of tropical region. Patients and Methods: Pancreatic tissues were obtained from CP patients with and without diabetes undergoing pancreatic resections (n = 35) and brain-dead multi organ donors (n = 6; considered as controls). Islets isolated were assessed for yield, purity, viability and in vitro islet function (Glucose stimulated insulin release, GSIR) as per standard protocols. Results: Islets from CP patients without diabetes were similar to controls in yield (control 4120 - 6100 IE/g, CP 3550 - 5660 IE/g), purity (control 78% ± 12%, CP 70% ± 8.2%) and viability (control 85% ± 8%, CP 81% ± 10%) and islets from CP patients with diabetes showed decreases in yield (3002 - 2300 IE/g), purity (61% ± 16%) and viability (62% ± 21%). Islets measuring 50 - 200 μ were similar in abundance in controls (94.74% ± 3.2%) and CP patients with and without diabetes, 86.31% ± 4.9%, 91.03% ± 3.8%. GSIR of islets from CP patients and controls were similar at 5.5 mM glucose (2.8 - 3.1 μU/ml). However, GSIR at 16.5 mM glucose was decreased in CP patients (control 18.5 ± 0.6, CP without diabetes 11.8 ± 0.3, CP with diabetes 4.3 ± 0.3 μU/ml). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate suitability of islets isolated from CP patients of tropical region for autotransplantation.

Quercetin Stimulates Insulin Secretion and Reduces the Viability of Rat INS-1 Beta-Cells

Background/Aims: Previously we described insulinotropic effects of Leonurus sibiricus L. plant extracts used for diabetes mellitus treatment in Traditional Mongolian Medicine. The flavonoid quercetin and its glycoside rutin, which exert anti-diabetic properties in vivo by interfering with insulin signaling in peripheral target tissues, are constituents of these extracts. This study was performed to better understand short- and long-term effects of quercetin and rutin on beta-cells. Methods: Cell viability, apoptosis, phospho-protein abundance and insulin release were determined using resazurin, annexin-V binding assays, Western blot and ELISA, respectively. Membrane potentials (V_mem), whole-cell Ca²⁺ (ICa)- and ATP-sensitive K⁺ (IK_ATP) currents were measured by patch clamp. Intracellular Ca²⁺ (Ca_i) levels were measured by time-lapse imaging using the ratiometric Ca²⁺ indicator Fura-2. Results: Rutin, quercetin and the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 caused a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability with IC₅₀ values of ∼75 µM, ∼25 µM and ∼3.5 µM, respectively. Quercetin (50 µM) significantly increased the percentage of Annexin-V+ cells within 48 hrs. The mean cell volume (MCV) of quercetin-treated cells was significantly lower. Within 2 hrs, quercetin significantly decreased basal- and insulin-stimulated Akt(T308) phosphorylation and increased Erk1/2 phosphorylation, without affecting P-Akt(S473) abundance. Basal- and glucose-stimulated insulin release were significantly stimulated by quercetin. Quercetin significantly depolarized V_mem by ∼25 mV which was prevented by the K_ATP-channel opener diazoxide, but not by the L-type ICa inhibitor nifedipine. Quercetin significantly stimulated ICa and caused a 50% inhibition of IK_ATP. The effects on V_mem, ICa and IK_ATP rapidly reached peak values and then gradually diminished to control values within ∼1 minute. With a similar time-response quercetin induced an elevation in Ca_i which was completely abolished in the absence of Ca²⁺ in the bath solution. Rutin (50 µM) did not significantly alter the percentage of Annexin-V+ cells, MCV, Akt or Erk1/2 phosphorylation, insulin secretion, or the electrophysiological behavior of INS-1 cells. Conclusion: We conclude that quercetin acutely stimulates insulin release, presumably by transient K_ATP channel inhibition and ICa stimulation. Long term application of quercetin inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis, most likely by inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling.

An in-situ glucose-stimulated insulin release assay under perfusion bioreactor conditions

An in-situ glucose-stimulated insulin release assay under perfusion bioreactor conditions

Functional Reconstitution of the Insulin-Secreting Porosome Complex in Live Cells.

Supramolecular cup-shaped lipoprotein structures called porosomes embedded in the cell plasma membrane mediate fractional release of intravesicular contents from cells during secretion. The presence of porosomes, have been documented in many cell types including neurons, acinar cells of the exocrine pancreas, GH-secreting cells of the pituitary, and insulin-secreting pancreatic β-cells. Functional reconstitution of porosomes into artificial lipid membranes, have also been accomplished. Earlier studies on mouse insulin-secreting Min6 cells report 100-nm porosome complexes composed of nearly 30 proteins. In the current study, porosomes have been functionally reconstituted for the first time in live cells. Isolated Min6 porosomes reconstituted into live Min6 cells demonstrate augmented levels of porosome proteins and a consequent increase in the potency and efficacy of glucose-stimulated insulin release. Elevated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion 48 hours after reconstitution, reflects on the remarkable stability and viability of reconstituted porosomes, documenting the functional reconstitution of native porosomes in live cells. These results, establish a new paradigm in porosome-mediated insulin secretion in β-cells.

Prolactin as an Adjunct for Type 1 Diabetes Immunotherapy.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by autoimmune destruction of β-cells. Although immunotherapy can restore self-tolerance thereby halting continued immune-mediated β-cell loss, residual β-cell mass and function is often insufficient for normoglycemia. Using a growth factor to boost β-cell mass can potentially overcome this barrier and prolactin (PRL) may fill this role. Previous studies have shown that PRL can stimulate β-cell proliferation and up-regulate insulin synthesis and secretion while reducing lymphocytic infiltration of islets, suggesting that it may restore normoglycemia through complementary mechanisms. Here, we test the hypothesis that PRL can improve the efficacy of an immune modulator, the anticluster of differentiation 3 monoclonal antibody (aCD3), in inducing diabetes remission by up-regulating β-cell mass and function. Diabetic nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice were treated with a 5-day course of aCD3 with or without a concurrent 3-week course of PRL. We found that a higher proportion of diabetic mice treated with the aCD3 and PRL combined therapy achieved diabetes reversal than those treated with aCD3 alone. The aCD3 and PRL combined group had a higher β-cell proliferation rate, an increased β-cell fraction, larger islets, higher pancreatic insulin content, and greater glucose-stimulated insulin release. Lineage-tracing analysis found minimal contribution of β-cell neogenesis to the formation of new β-cells. Although we did not detect a significant difference in the number or proliferative capacity of T cells, we observed a higher proportion of insulitis-free islets in the aCD3 and PRL group. These results suggest that combining a growth factor with an immunotherapy may be an effective treatment paradigm for autoimmune diabetes.

Nephrin Contributes to Insulin Secretion and Affects Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling Independently of Insulin Receptor.

Nephrin belongs to a family of highly conserved proteins with a well characterized function as modulators of cell adhesion and guidance, and nephrin may have a role in metabolic pathways linked to podocyte and pancreatic β-cell survival. However, this role is incompletely characterized. In this study, we developed floxed nephrin mice for pancreatic β-cell-specific deletion of nephrin, which had no effect on islet size and glycemia. Nephrin deficiency, however, resulted in glucose intolerance in vivo and impaired glucose-stimulated insulin release ex vivo Glucose intolerance was also observed in eight patients with nephrin mutations compared with three patients with other genetic forms of nephrotic syndrome or nine healthy controls.In vitro experiments were conducted to investigate if nephrin affects autocrine signaling through insulin receptor A (IRA) and B (IRB), which are both expressed in human podocytes and pancreatic islets. Coimmunoprecipitation of nephrin and IRB but not IRA was observed and required IR phosphorylation. Nephrin per se was sufficient to induce phosphorylation of p70S6K in an phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent but IR/Src-independent manner, which was not augmented by exogenous insulin. These results suggest a role for nephrin as an independent modulator of podocyte and pancreatic β-cell nutrient sensing in the fasting state and the potential of nephrin as a drug target in diabetes.

Nitric Oxide Overproduction Reduces Insulin Secretion from Isolated Islets in Fetal Hypothyroid Rats.

Thyroid hormones have developmental effects during fetal life. Fetal hypothyroidism leads to glucose intolerance and reduced insulin secretion capacity. Activity of nitric oxide synthases follows a heterogeneous pattern in hypothyroidism. Overactivity of constitutive nitric oxide synthase (NOS), inhibits glucose-stimulated insulin release. The aim of this study was to examine if reduction in insulin secretion in fetal hypothyroidism is due to overproduction of nitric oxide. Pregnant Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups; the experimental group consumed water containing 0.02% of 6-propyl-2-thiouracil till delivery, while the control group consumed tap water. After delivery serum thyroid hormones were measured. Intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed in 6-month old offspring (n=8). After 3 weeks recovery, pancreatic islets were isolated and insulin secretion, inducible and constitutive nitric oxide synthase activity were measured (n=4). Compared to controls, during intravenous glucose tolerance test, fetal hypothyroid rats had high plasma glucose concentration (p=0.003) and low plasma insulin levels (p=0.012) at 5-20 min and their insulin secretion from isolated islets at basal glucose concentration and in the presence of l-arginine was lower. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester significantly improved insulin secretion in fetal hypothyroid rats at basal glucose concentration and in the presence of l-arginine. The results showed higher NOS activities in fetal hypothyroid rats (constitutive 17.60±1.09 vs. 47.34±4.44 and inducible 4.09±0.96 vs. 19.97±1.14 pmol/min/mg proteins, p=0.002). In conclusion, NO overproduction through NOS participates in decreased insulin secretion in fetal hypothyroid rats.

Role of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in the regulation of insulin secretion and vitality of pancreatic ß cells

genotype-independent increase in body weight, arterial blood pressure and fasted blood glucose levels. Moreover, all mice showed a pathological oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT), confirming an insulin resistant state. In control mice, immunostainings of insulin and morphometrical analyses showed an increase in the islet area, the total area of s cells per islet and in the number of s cells per islet after HFD. Since the area of single s cells remained the same under ND and HFD, these results demonstrate that the observed increase in s cell mass was caused by s cell proliferation and not by hypertrophy. Strikingly, s cell proliferation in response to HFD-provoked insulin resistance was abolished in s GC-A KO mice. As mentioned above, low plasma levels of ANP predict development of future diabetes and glucose progression in the elderly, suggesting a (co)causal role of deficient ANP/ GC-A signalling in diabetes development [2]. To study whether chronic s cell ANP/GC-A dysfunction alters insulin-dependent glucose homeostasis, we analyzed female s GC-A KO and control mice at 10-15 months of age. Fasted insulin plasma levels were not different between genotypes. Surprisingly, the oGTT showed a better glucose handling in the s GC-A KO mice, with lower plasma glucose levels at all time-points and a significantly lower area under the curve (AUC). Insulin sensitivity was not different between genotypes. However, glucose-stimulated insulin release was enhanced in the s GC-A KO mice.

Characterization of P4 ATPase Phospholipid Translocases (Flippases) in Human and Rat Pancreatic Beta Cells: THEIR GENE SILENCING INHIBITS INSULIN SECRETION

The negative charge of phosphatidylserine in lipid bilayers of secretory vesicles and plasma membranes couples the domains of positively charged amino acids of secretory vesicle SNARE proteins with similar domains of plasma membrane SNARE proteins enhancing fusion of the two membranes to promote exocytosis of the vesicle contents of secretory cells. Our recent study of insulin secretory granules (ISG) (MacDonald, M. J., Ade, L., Ntambi, J. M., Ansari, I. H., and Stoker, S. W. (2015) Characterization of phospholipids in insulin secretory granules in pancreatic beta cells and their changes with glucose stimulation. J. Biol. Chem. 290, 11075-11092) suggested that phosphatidylserine and other phospholipids, such as phosphatidylethanolamine, in ISG could play important roles in docking and fusion of ISG to the plasma membrane in the pancreatic beta cell during insulin exocytosis. P4 ATPase flippases translocate primarily phosphatidylserine and, to a lesser extent, phosphatidylethanolamine across the lipid bilayers of intracellular vesicles and plasma membranes to the cytosolic leaflets of these membranes. CDC50A is a protein that forms a heterodimer with P4 ATPases to enhance their translocase catalytic activity. We found that the predominant P4 ATPases in pure pancreatic beta cells and human and rat pancreatic islets were ATP8B1, ATP8B2, and ATP9A. ATP8B1 and CDC50A were highly concentrated in ISG. ATP9A was concentrated in plasma membrane. Gene silencing of individual P4 ATPases and CDC50A inhibited glucose-stimulated insulin release in pure beta cells and in human pancreatic islets. This is the first characterization of P4 ATPases in beta cells. The results support roles for P4 ATPases in translocating phosphatidylserine to the cytosolic leaflets of ISG and the plasma membrane to facilitate the docking and fusion of ISG to the plasma membrane during insulin exocytosis.