Islet cAMP Levels Research Articles

EP3 signaling is decoupled from the regulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in β-cells compensating for obesity and insulin resistance

ABSTRACT Of the β-cell signaling pathways altered by obesity and insulin resistance, some are adaptive while others contribute to β-cell failure. Two critical second messengers are Ca2+ and cAMP, which control the timing and amplitude of insulin secretion. Previous work has shown the importance of the cAMP-inhibitory Prostaglandin EP3 receptor (EP3) in mediating the β-cell dysfunction of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here, we used three groups of C57BL/6J mice as a model of the progression from metabolic health to T2D: wildtype, normoglycemic Leptin Ob (NGOB), and hyperglycemic Leptin Ob (HGOB). Robust increases in β-cell cAMP and insulin secretion were observed in NGOB islets as compared to wildtype controls; an effect lost in HGOB islets, which exhibited reduced β-cell cAMP and insulin secretion despite increased glucose-dependent Ca2+ influx. An EP3 antagonist had no effect on β-cell cAMP or Ca2+ oscillations, demonstrating agonist-independent EP3 signaling. Finally, using sulprostone to hyperactivate EP3 signaling, we found EP3-dependent suppression of β-cell cAMP and Ca2+ duty cycle effectively reduces insulin secretion in HGOB islets, while having no impact insulin secretion on NGOB islets, despite similar and robust effects on cAMP levels and Ca2+ duty cycle. Finally, increased cAMP levels in NGOB islets are consistent with increased recruitment of the small G protein, Rap1GAP, to the plasma membrane, sequestering the EP3 effector, Gɑz, from inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Taken together, these results suggest that rewiring of EP3 receptor-dependent cAMP signaling contributes to the progressive changes in β cell function observed in the Leptin Ob model of diabetes.

SAT-168 A Secreted Protein Complement 1q Like-3 Protein Inhibits Insulin Secretion by an Adhesion G-Protein Coupled Receptor, BAI3 in Pancreatic β-Cells

Secreted proteins are important metabolic regulators in both healthy and disease states. By using Bioinformatics approaches, we identified complement-1q-like-3 secreted protein that expressed in α-cells affects β-cell function in the pancreatic islets. Our objective was to investigate the mechanism by which C1ql3 regulates insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. Our data suggest that C1ql3 predominantly inhibits exendin-4 and cAMP-stimulated insulin secretion from mouse and human islets. Moreover, C1ql3 also attenuated insulin secretion stimulated by high KCl, a sulphonyl urea tolbutamide (potassium channel blocker) and high glucose to a lesser extent. Interestingly, C1ql3 failed to affect insulin secretion caused by fatty acids, amino acids, or mitochondrial metabolites, either at low or submaximal glucose concentrations. Furthermore, C1ql3 decreased islet-cAMP levels stimulated by high glucose, and insulin secretion caused by Epac2 (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP-2) and protein kinase A. Our data suggest that C1ql3 inhibits insulin secretion primarily by regulating cAMP signaling pathway. The cell adhesion G protein-coupled receptor, brain angiogenesis inhibitor-3 (BAI3), is a receptor for C1ql3. Knockdown of BAI3 by siRNA in INS1(832/13) cells increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in a dose dependent manner. In addition, incubating the mouse islets with soluble C1ql3-binding fragment of the BAI3 protein completely blocked the inhibitory effects of C1ql3 on insulin secretion in response to cAMP. These findings suggest that inhibitory effects of C1ql3 on insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells is mediated by Bai3. Additionally, C1ql3 and BAI3 expression increases with obesity suggesting that novel C1ql3/BAI3 signaling, which causes an impairment of insulin secretion from β-cells, possibly contributing to the progression of type 2 diabetes in obesity.

LH-21 and abnormal cannabidiol improve β-cell function in isolated human and mouse islets through GPR55-dependent and -independent signalling.

To examine the effects of Abn-CBD (GPR55 agonist) and LH-21 (CB1 antagonist) on human and mouse islet function, and to determine signalling via GPR55 using islets from GPR55-/- mice. Islets isolated from human organ donors and mice were incubated in the absence or presence of Abn-CBD or LH-21, and insulin secretion, [Ca2+ ]i, cAMP, apoptosis, β-cell proliferation and CREB and AKT phosphorylation were examined using standard techniques. Abn-CBD potentiated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and elevated [Ca2+ ]i in human islets and islets from both GPR55+/+ and GPR55-/- mice. LH-21 also increased insulin secretion and [Ca2+ ]i in human islets and GPR55+/+ mouse islets, but concentrations of LH-21 up to 0.1 μM were ineffective in islets from GPR55-/- mice. Neither ligand affected basal insulin secretion or islet cAMP levels. Abn-CBD and LH-21 reduced cytokine-induced apoptosis in human islets and GPR55+/+ mouse islets, and these effects were suppressed after GPR55 deletion. They also increased β-cell proliferation: the effects of Abn-CBD were preserved in islets from GPR55-/- mice, while those of LH-21 were abolished. Abn-CBD and LH-21 increased AKT phosphorylation in mouse and human islets. This study showed that Abn-CBD and LH-21 improve human and mouse islet β-cell function and viability. Use of islets from GPR55-/- mice suggests that designation of Abn-CBD and LH-21 as a GPR55 agonist and a CB1 antagonist, should be revised.

Glucose Stimulates Ca2+ Influx and Insulin Secretion in 2-Week-old β-Cells Lacking ATP-sensitive K+ Channels

In adult beta-cells glucose-induced insulin secretion involves two mechanisms (a) a K(ATP) channel-dependent Ca(2+) influx and rise of cytosolic [Ca(2+)](c) and (b) a K(ATP) channel-independent amplification of secretion without further increase of [Ca(2+)](c). Mice lacking the high affinity sulfonylurea receptor (Sur1KO), and thus K(ATP) channels, have been developed as a model of congenital hyperinsulinism. Here, we compared [Ca(2+)](c) and insulin secretion in overnight cultured islets from 2-week-old normal and Sur1KO mice. Control islets proved functionally mature: the magnitude and biphasic kinetics of [Ca(2+)](c) and insulin secretion changes induced by glucose, and operation of the amplifying pathway, were similar to adult islets. Sur1KO islets perifused with 1 mm glucose showed elevation of both basal [Ca(2+)](c) and insulin secretion. Stimulation with 15 mm glucose produced a transient drop of [Ca(2+)](c) followed by an overshoot and a sustained elevation, accompanied by a monophasic, 6-fold increase in insulin secretion. Glucose also increased insulin secretion when [Ca(2+)](c) was clamped by KCl. When Sur1KO islets were cultured in 5 instead of 10 mm glucose, [Ca(2+)](c) and insulin secretion were unexpectedly low in 1 mm glucose and increased following a biphasic time course upon stimulation by 15 mm glucose. This K(ATP) channel-independent first phase [Ca(2+)](c) rise was attributed to a Na(+)-, Cl(-)-, and Na(+)-pump-independent depolarization of beta-cells, leading to Ca(2+) influx through voltage-dependent calcium channels. Glucose indeed depolarized Sur1KO islets under these conditions. It is suggested that unidentified potassium channels are sensitive to glucose and subserve the acute and long-term metabolic control of [Ca(2+)](c) in beta-cells without functional K(ATP) channels.

Exendin-4 Uses Irs2 Signaling to Mediate Pancreatic β Cell Growth and Function

The insulin receptor substrate 2 (Irs2) branch of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor-signaling cascade prevents diabetes in mice because it promotes beta cell replication, function, and survival, especially during metabolic stress. Because exendin-4 (Ex4), a long acting glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, has similar effects upon beta cells in rodents and humans, we investigated whether Irs2 signaling was required for Ex4 action in isolated beta cells and in Irs2(-/-) mice. Ex4 increased cAMP levels in human islets and Min6 cells, which promoted Irs2 expression and stimulated Akt phosphorylation. In wild type mice Ex4 administered continuously for 28 days increased beta cell mass 2-fold. By contrast, Ex4 failed to arrest the progressive beta cell loss in Irs2(-/-) mice, which culminated in fatal diabetes; however, Ex4 delayed the progression of diabetes by 3 weeks by promoting insulin secretion from the remaining islets. We conclude that some short term therapeutic effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists can be independent of Irs2, but its long term effects upon beta cell growth and survival are mediated by the Irs2 branch of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling cascade.

Relief from glucose-induced over-stimulation sensitizes the adenylate cyclase-cAMP system of rat pancreatic islets.

Hyperglycemia impairs beta-cell function. This effect is partly exerted by beta-cell over-stimulation by mechanisms that are not completely clarified. We have presently investigated whether over-stimulation alters the responsiveness of the islet adenylate cyclase-cAMP system. Effects of over-stimulation were assessed from comparisons in rat pancreatic islets after stimulation by culture for 22 h with high (27 mM) glucose or after the additional presence of diazoxide which reversibly blocks secretion. Islet ATP levels were similar under both conditions. Forskolin increased islet cAMP levels dose-dependently after culture under both conditions; however, the cAMP responses to forskolin were enhanced by the previous co-presence of diazoxide: by 354, 183 and 168% respectively in the presence of 0.1, 1.0 and 25 microM forskolin (P<0.05) or less for the effect of diazoxide. Enhancement was not diminished ! by Ca(2+ )omission during final incubations, nor by blocking Gi proteins with pertussis toxin (0.1 microgram/ml). Enhancement was dependent on the glucose concentration during culture, i.e. co-culture with diazoxide at a non-stimulatory concentration of glucose (6.0 mM) failed to affect the subsequent cAMP response to forskolin. Acute administration of glucose (16.7 mM) failed to increase islet cAMP content after culture at high glucose only, whereas a modest (about 20%) but significant stimulation was seen after co-culture with diazoxide. Co-culture with diazoxide left-shifted the insulin dose-response to a cAMP analogue 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-d> -ribofuranosyl-benzimidazole-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate. We conclude that over-stimulation importantly modifies the generation of cAMP, and also affects the insulin-releasing effect of the cyclic nucleotide.

Stevioside acts directly on pancreatic β cells to secrete insulin: Actions independent of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and adenosine triphosphate—sensitivie K +-channel activity

The natural sweetener stevioside, which is found in the plant Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, has been used for many years in the treatment of diabetes among Indians in Paraguay and Brazil. However, the mechanism for the blood glucose-lowering effect remains unknown. To elucidate the impact of stevioside and its aglucon steviol on insulin release from normal mouse islets and the beta-cell line INS-1 were used. Both stevioside and steviol (1 nmol/L to 1 mmol/L) dose-dependently enhanced insulin secretion from incubated mouse islets in the presence of 16.7 mmol/L glucose (P < .05). The insulinotropic effects of stevioside and steviol were critically dependent on the prevailing glucose concentration, ie, stevioside (1 mmol/L) and steviol (1 micromol/L) only potentiated insulin secretion at or above 8.3 mmol/L glucose (P < .05). Interestingly, the insulinotropic effects of both stevioside and steviol were preserved in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. During perifusion of islets, stevioside (1 mmol/L) and steviol (1 micromol/L) had a long-lasting and apparently reversible insulinotropic effect in the presence of 16.7 mmol/L glucose (P < .05). To determine if stevioside and steviol act directly on beta cells, the effects on INS-1 cells were also investigated. Stevioside and steviol both potentiated insulin secretion from INS-1 cells (P < .05). Neither stevioside (1 to 100 micromol/L) nor steviol (10 nmol/L to 10 micromol/L) influenced the plasma membrane K+ adenosine triphosphate ((K+)ATP)-sensitive channel activity, nor did they alter cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in islets. In conclusion, stevioside and steviol stimulate insulin secretion via a direct action on beta cells. The results indicate that the compounds may have a potential role as antihyperglycemic agents in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Direct glucocorticoid inhibition of insulin secretion. An in vitro study of dexamethasone effects in mouse islets.

The direct effects of glucocorticoids on pancreatic beta cell function were studied with normal mouse islets. Dexamethasone inhibited insulin secretion from cultured islets in a concentration-dependent manner: maximum of approximately 75% at 250 nM and IC50 at approximately 20 nM dexamethasone. This inhibition was of slow onset (0, 20, and 40% after 1, 2, and 3 h) and only slowly reversible. It was prevented by a blocker of nuclear glucocorticoid receptors, by pertussis toxin, by a phorbol ester, and by dibutyryl cAMP, but was unaffected by an increase in the fuel content of the culture medium. Dexamethasone treatment did not affect islet cAMP levels but slightly reduced inositol phosphate formation. After 18 h of culture with or without 1 microM dexamethasone, the islets were perifused and stimulated by a rise in the glucose concentration from 3 to 15 mM. Both phases of insulin secretion were similarly decreased in dexamethasone-treated islets as compared with control islets. This inhibition could not be ascribed to a lowering of insulin stores (higher in dexamethasone-treated islets), to an alteration of glucose metabolism (glucose oxidation and NAD(P)H changes were unaffected), or to a lesser rise of cytoplasmic Ca2+ in beta cells (only the frequency of the oscillations was modified). Dexamethasone also inhibited insulin secretion induced by arginine, tolbutamide, or high K+. In this case also the inhibition was observed despite a normal rise of cytoplasmic Ca2+. In conclusion, dexamethasone inhibits insulin secretion through a genomic action in beta cells that leads to a decrease in the efficacy of cytoplasmic Ca2+ on the exocytotic process.

Regulation of insulin release by phospholipase C activation in mouse islets: differential effects of glucose and neurohumoral stimulation.

Rat islets respond to glucose stimulation with a marked first and second phase increase in insulin secretion. In contrast, mouse islets have a similar first phase response but little second phase secretion. In these studies, we determined if activation of phospholipase C (PLC) accounts for these differences in second phase insulin secretion in these two species. Stimulation of freshly isolated mouse and rat islets with 15 mM glucose resulted in comparable first phase insulin secretion; however, the second phase response from mouse islets was only doubled from 28 +/- 6 to 60 +/- 7 pg/islet.min compared with an increase from 24 +/- 4 to 1064 +/- 93 pg/islet.min from rat islets. The addition of the muscarinic agonist carbachol (100 microM) in the presence of 15 mM glucose, however, markedly increased second phase insulin release from mouse islets to 801 +/- 80 pg/islet.min. Similar increases in second phase insulin release from mouse islets were obtained with the addition of 500 nM of the protein kinase C activator tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate in the presence of 15 mM glucose. However, the incretin factor glucagon-like peptide-1, which elevates islet cAMP levels, had little effect on second phase insulin release in the mouse. An analysis of PLC-mediated phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis revealed that 15 mM glucose increased inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation 0.5-fold above baseline in mouse islets compared with 3.7-fold in rat islets. In contrast, carbachol stimulated IP accumulation 3.5-fold in both mouse and rat islets. Analysis of PLC isozymes with isozyme specific monoclonal antibodies, demonstrated that mouse islets express 14 +/- 4% of PLC-delta 1 and 18 +/- 6% of PLC-beta 1 compared with rat islets but similar amounts of the PLC-gamma 1 (117 +/- 16%). These findings suggest that the decreased second phase insulin secretory response in mouse compared with rat islets results, at least in part, from an inability of high glucose to stimulate comparable increments in PI hydrolysis. This lack of glucose responsiveness may be due to the pronounced underexpression of specific PLC isozymes in the mouse.

Regulation of insulin release by phospholipase C activation in mouse islets: differential effects of glucose and neurohumoral stimulation

Rat islets respond to glucose stimulation with a marked first and second phase increase in insulin secretion. In contrast, mouse islets have a similar first phase response but little second phase secretion. In these studies, we determined if activation of phospholipase C (PLC) accounts for these differences in second phase insulin secretion in these two species. Stimulation of freshly isolated mouse and rat islets with 15 mM glucose resulted in comparable first phase insulin secretion; however, the second phase response from mouse islets was only doubled from 28 +/- 6 to 60 +/- 7 pg/islet.min compared with an increase from 24 +/- 4 to 1064 +/- 93 pg/islet.min from rat islets. The addition of the muscarinic agonist carbachol (100 microM) in the presence of 15 mM glucose, however, markedly increased second phase insulin release from mouse islets to 801 +/- 80 pg/islet.min. Similar increases in second phase insulin release from mouse islets were obtained with the addition of 500 nM of the protein kinase C activator tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate in the presence of 15 mM glucose. However, the incretin factor glucagon-like peptide-1, which elevates islet cAMP levels, had little effect on second phase insulin release in the mouse. An analysis of PLC-mediated phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis revealed that 15 mM glucose increased inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation 0.5-fold above baseline in mouse islets compared with 3.7-fold in rat islets. In contrast, carbachol stimulated IP accumulation 3.5-fold in both mouse and rat islets. Analysis of PLC isozymes with isozyme specific monoclonal antibodies, demonstrated that mouse islets express 14 +/- 4% of PLC-delta 1 and 18 +/- 6% of PLC-beta 1 compared with rat islets but similar amounts of the PLC-gamma 1 (117 +/- 16%). These findings suggest that the decreased second phase insulin secretory response in mouse compared with rat islets results, at least in part, from an inability of high glucose to stimulate comparable increments in PI hydrolysis. This lack of glucose responsiveness may be due to the pronounced underexpression of specific PLC isozymes in the mouse.

Constitutively active stimulatory G-protein alpha s in beta-cells of transgenic mice causes counterregulation of the increased adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and insulin secretion.

To evaluate the effect of chronically elevated adenylyl cyclase, we targeted the expression of a constitutively active mutant alpha-subunit (alpha s+) of Gs to the insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells of transgenic mice. As assessed by the polymerase chain reaction, expression of alpha s+ mRNA was restricted to the transgenic pancreas. Histological analysis by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry for insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin appeared normal in transgenic islets. Pancreatic insulin content was quantitatively the same for alpha s+ transgenic and control mice. Comparisons of glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion, and islet cAMP revealed the expected differences between alpha s+ transgenic and control mice; in every case, however, responses to glucose alone were normal, and the differences were observed only when measurements were performed in the presence of isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), an inhibitor of cAMP phosphodiesterase. 1) In vivo, ip glucose tolerance was normal in alpha s+ transgenics; when ip glucose was preceded by administration of IBMX, the rise in blood glucose was approximately 33% less in the transgenic than in the control mice. 2) Insulin secretion from the perfused pancreas stimulated sequentially with 11 and 22 mM glucose caused characteristic first and second phase insulin release that did not differ between transgenic and control pancreases. IBMX increased biphasic insulin release from all pancreases, but caused a 2-fold greater than normal release from the transgenics. 3) Similarly, batch-incubated alpha s+ and control islets secreted equivalent amounts of insulin in the presence of glucose (22 mM) alone, whereas the combination of glucose plus IBMX was twice as effective on alpha s+ islets. 4) Islet cAMP levels paralleled insulin secretion; in the presence of IBMX, but not glucose alone, cAMP was increased 2-fold more in alpha s+ vs. control islets. We conclude that expression of constitutively active alpha s mutant in pancreatic beta-cells of transgenic mice is functionally effective, causing the physiological phenotype of increased islet cAMP and insulin secretion. However, these changes are uncovered only in the presence of IBMX; without IBMX, glucose homeostasis and islet function appear normal. This normalization, or counterregulation, of cAMP synthesis presumably is accomplished by a compensatory increase in cAMP degradation, possibly via increased activity of cAMP phosphodiesterase.

Biochemical mechanisms involved in monomethyl succinate-induced insulin secretion.

Esters of succinic acid stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells. Using collagenase-isolated rat islets, the transduction mechanisms involved were investigated. In freshly isolated perifused islets, monomethyl succinate (MMSucc), in the presence of basal (2.75 mM) glucose, stimulated insulin release in a biphasic pattern. This secretory response was dependent on extracellular calcium movement into the beta-cell, since the calcium channel blocker nitrendipine (5 microM) abolished it. The glucokinase inhibitor mannoheptulose (20 mM) had no effect on its secretory action, while the protein kinase-C inhibitor staurosporine (20 nM) reduced secretion to MMSucc. In addition, while ineffective alone, the diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor monooleoylglycerol (25 microM) potentiated MMSucc-induced insulin release. A similarly amplified response occurred in the presence of forskolin (0.25 microM), a compound that elevates islet cAMP levels. The sodium salt of succinic acid (20 mM) had no effect on insulin release in the presence or absence of forskolin. Prior treatment with MMSucc in the presence of 2.75 mM glucose sensitized islets to the usually weak insulin secretory effect of 7.5 mM glucose. Other groups of islets were incubated for 2 h with myo-[2-3H]inositol to label their phosphoinositide pools. These islets were subsequently stimulated, and the kinetics of [3H]inositol efflux and insulin secretion were measured. MMSucc induced a rapid and sustained dose-dependent increase in [3H]inositol efflux rates. In batch-incubated islets, MMSucc increased inositol phosphate levels. Finally, MMSucc (20 mM), in the presence of 8 mM glucose, did not influence the detritiation of [5-3H]glucose, but reduced the oxidation of [U-14C] glucose. These results support the following conclusions. First, MMSucc is a potent activator of islet phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Second, the activation of protein kinase-C appears to contribute to the acute insulin secretory effect of MMSucc. Third, MMSucc-induced increases in phosphoinositide hydrolysis contribute at least in part to its ability to acutely stimulate insulin release and prime the beta-cell to subsequent stimulation. Finally, mitochondrial events associated with the oxidative metabolism of MMSucc may underlie its insulinotropic action.

Effects of cyclosporine a on cyclic AMP generation and GTP-binding proteins in isolated islets

The role of cyclosporine A (CsA) in cAMP generation and its relationship with guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins) was investigated in isolated islets. cAMP accumulation in response to glucose, 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor) and the calcium ionophore A23187 increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the presence of 0.5 μg/mL CsA. CsA (0.5 μg/ mL) was unable to affect the 2.1-fold increase in cAMP formation induced by 30 μ/M forskolin (an adenylate cyclase complex activator). The pertussis toxin-induced cAMP generation in the presence of 20 mM glucose was suppressed by CsA by 34%. On the other hand, CsA enhanced cAMP levels in cholera toxin-treated islets. CsA caused a non-competitive inhibition of phosphodiesterase activity with half-maximal inhibition at 5 μ/mL CsA, CsA blocked the pertussis toxin ADP-ribosylation of a 41-kDa and a 21-kDa islet protein, but not the cholera toxin ADP-ribosylation of a 45-kDa and a 21-kDa islet protein. These data indicate that CsA increases cAMP content by a non-competitive inhibition of phosphodiesterase activity and by acting through G-proteins involved in the modulation of adenylate cyclase activity. An inhibitory effect of CsA on a 21-kDa pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein was also observed.

Regulation of islet somatostatin secretion and gene expression: selective effects of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and phorbol esters in normal islets of Langerhans and in a somatostatin-producing rat islet clonal cell line 1027 B2.

To investigate cAMP-dependent regulation of somatostatin secretion and gene expression in the islets of Langerhans, we have correlated the effects of forskolin, theophylline, and (Bu)2cAMP (dbcAMP) on the secretion of somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (SLI), cAMP generation, and somatosatin mRNA (S-mRNA) accumulation by cultured rat islet cells and a rat somatostatin-producing islet tumor cell line (1027 B2). Additionally, we have compared these effects with those of phorbol esters. Forskolin induced large acute increases in cAMP levels in islet cells, whereas theophylline produced modest sustained elevations in cAMP. During 4-h exposure to islets cells, forskolin, theophylline, and dbcAMP produced time- and dose-related increases of up to 14-fold in SLI release and up to 5-fold in S-mRNA levels. The rate of increase in S-mRNA paralleled secretion and occurred with the following order of potency: forskolin greater than dbcAMP greater than theophylline. The analog 1,9-dideoxyforskolin, which is unable to activate adenylyl cyclase, produced a small increase in SLI release without affecting S-mRNA. The effects of short term increases in islet cAMP levels and SLI release on long term changes in S-mRNA accumulation were investigated in a 48-h study with forskolin. Pretreatment of islet cells for 30 min with forskolin evoked large acute increases in cAMP levels and SLI release. S-mRNA rose in a biphasic pattern, with an acute increase at 30 min followed by a secondary increase at 12-48 h. In 1027B2 cells, forskolin and theophylline generated large increases in cAMP levels. Despite this, the two agents as well as dbcAMP produced only slight (20-35%) stimulation of SLI release and S-mRNA accumulation. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate evoked dose-dependent stimulation of SLI secretion of up to 4-fold from islet cells without altering S-mRNA. Both secretion and S-mRNA were unresponsive to phorbol esters in 1027 B2 cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effect of &lt;i&gt;L&lt;/i&gt;-Asparaginase on Insulin Secretion from Isolated Rat Islets of Langerhans

The effects of L-asparaginase were evaluated on glucose-induced insulin release from isolated rat islets of Langerhans. Islets were obtained by enzymatic digestion of pancreas from Sprague-Dawley rats. The study of L-asparaginase effects on insulin secretion was performed in a static incubation of islets. Insulin secretion was measured at 60 min of incubation with different secretagogues with and without L-asparaginase. L-Asparaginase at concentrations from 310 to 5,000 U/ml could inhibit the glucose-induced insulin secretion in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was not recovered after incubation in the absence of the drug for another 2 h. The half-maximal inhibitory effect of the enzyme on insulin secretion was observed at L-asparaginase concentrations of 1,000 U/ml. Tolbutamide (200 microM) and ketoisocaproic acid (20 mM) did not induce insulin secretion in the presence of moderately high L-asparaginase concentrations. L-Asparaginase did not inhibit glucose-induced insulin secretion in the presence of isobutyl-methyl-xanthine (IBMX) (20 microM) or forskolin (20 microM). L-Asparaginase promoted a decrease in total c-AMP in isolated rat islets at concentrations from 500 to 1,500 U/ml when they were stimulated by glucose. If islets were treated with IBMX or forskolin, L-asparaginase did not inhibit the glucose-induced total c-AMP levels in islets.

Forskolin-Induced Desensitization of Pancreatic β-Cell Insulin Secretory Responsiveness: Possible Involvement of Impaired Information Flow in the Inositol-Lipid Cycle*

Isolated rat islets of Langerhans were incubated for 2 h in a myo-[2-3H]inositol-containing solution to label their phosphoinositides. Also included during this labeling period was forskolin (0.1-5 microM), a compound established to elevate islet cAMP levels. These islets were subsequently perifused, and their insulin secretory responses to 20 mM glucose or 1 microM of the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) were assessed. Determined in parallel with secretion were [3H] inositol efflux patterns and, at the termination of the perifusion, labeled inositol phosphate accumulation. The following major observations were made. 1) Forskolin had no deleterious effect on the total amount of [3H]inositol incorporated by the islets during the labeling period. 2) However, labeling in forskolin resulted in subsequent dose-dependent decreases in 20 mM glucose-induced insulin secretion, [3H]inositol efflux and inositol phosphate accumulation. 3) Inclusion of the diacylglycerol (DAG) kinase inhibitor monooleoylglycerol (50 microM) restored to a significant degree glucose-induced release from forskolin-desensitized islets. 4) Pretreatment with 5 microM forskolin had no deleterious effect on TPA-induced insulin release. 5) Prior exposure to forskolin also impaired phosphoinositide hydrolysis in response to cholecystokinin stimulation. 6) Similar to forskolin, labeling in isobutylmethylxanthine (1 mM) reduced in a parallel fashion islet [3H]inositol efflux and insulin secretion in response to 20 mM glucose stimulation. These findings demonstrate that prior chronic elevation of islet cAMP levels suppresses the activation of phospholipase-C in response to subsequent stimulation. Defective insulin secretory responsiveness of these islets appears to be the result of impaired generation of phosphoinositide-derived second messenger molecules, particularly DAG. By substituting for DAG, however, TPA circumvents this biochemical lesion and evokes a normal insulin secretory response from forskolin-pretreated islets.

Potentiation of Forskolin-Induced Increase of cAMP by Diamide and N-Ethylmaleimide in Rat Pancreatic Islets

In isolated rat pancreatic islets, the effect of diamide and N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) on forskolin- as well as on glucagon-induced elevation of cAMP was studied. Forskolin and glucagon increased cAMP levels in batch-incubated islets. Diamide and NEM further augmented forskolin-induced increase of cAMP levels, whereas glucagon-stimulated elevation of cAMP was not affected. From our data it is likely that under the conditions of the present study, the thiols related to the Ns-protein and the catalytic unit are insensitive to oxidation and alkylation. The potentiation of forskolin-induced cAMP production in intact islet cells by diamide and NEM may be due to inactivation of the thiols related to the Ni-protein.

Mechanism of Action of Growth-Hormone-Releasing Hormone in Stimulating Insulin Secretion in vitro from Isolated Rat Islets and Dispersed Islet Cells

Human growth-hormone-releasing hormone [(1-44)NH2] (hGHRH) was a potent stimulus for insulin release from rat islets of Langerhans in vitro; the optimum concentration used was 10(-11) M. The dose response curves for hGHRH effects on insulin secretion were notably different in intact islets of Langerhans compared to cultured dispersed islet cells. Pancreatic islets responded to a very low hGHRH concentration (10(-12) M), but at a higher hGHRH concentration (10(-9) M) no stimulation of insulin release was observed. When somatostatin antiserum was included in the incubation medium, hGHRH (10(-9) M) stimulated insulin release from intact islets. In cultured dispersed islet cells, which are principally insulin-secreting B cells, hGHRH directly and potently stimulated insulin release even at a concentration of 10(-9) M. Addition of somatostatin (10(-7), 10(-8) M) significantly reduced the hGHRH-induced insulin-secretory responses of dispersed islet cells. hGHRH (10(-11)-10(-9) M) raised islet cAMP levels; individually, hGHRH and theophylline exerted positive effects on insulin release, their combined effect was greater than that caused by either one. We conclude that hGHRH directly affects insulin secretion in vitro by a cAMP-dependent mechanism, and that the difference in responses of intact islets versus islet cells to increasing concentrations of hGHRH may be related to hGHRH-induced release of somatostatin in intact rat islets.

Synergistic impact of cholecystokinin and gastric inhibitory polypeptide on the regulation of insulin secretion

The modulation of insulin output from isolated perifused rat islets by the intestinal peptides cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) was assessed. In the presence of 7 mmol/L (126 mg/dL) glucose, but not 2.75 mmol/L (50 mg/dL) glucose, CCK (5 nmol/L) or GIP (50 ng/mL) alone evoke small insulin secretory responses. However, the combination of GIP (50 ng/mL) plus CCK (5 nmol/L) together with 7 mmol/L glucose results in a markedly amplified insulin secretory response. CCK (50 nmol/L) alone increases phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis in islets, an event reflected by an increase in 3H efflux from myo[2- 3H]inositol prelabeled islets and parallel accumulations of labeled inositol phosphates. GIP (50 ng/mL) alone has no effect on PI hydrolysis. However, GIP reduces the quantitative impact of CCK on PI turnover, an effect attributable to the capacity of GIP to elevate islet cAMP levels. CCK has no significant effect on islet cAMP levels. The results support the concept that the synergistic action of these peptides on insulin output is mediated by their ability to generate separate beta cell second messenger molecules. Nutrient-regulated intestinal release of various peptides represents a remarkable control system to ensure the release of insulin from the beta cell in amounts commensurate with both the quantity and quality of nutrient intake.

The ionic, electrical, and secretory effects of protein kinase C activation in mouse pancreatic B-cells: studies with a phorbol ester.

The phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was used to study the effects of protein kinase C activation on stimulus-secretion coupling in mouse pancreatic B-cells. At a nonstimulatory concentration of glucose (3 mM), 100 nM TPA, but not 10 nM TPA, slightly and slowly increased insulin release and 45Ca2+ efflux and decreased 86Rb+ efflux, but did not affect the membrane potential of B-cells. At a threshold concentration of glucose (7 mM), 100 nM TPA markedly increased insulin release without triggering electrical activity in B-cells. At a stimulatory concentration of glucose (10 mM), TPA caused a dose-dependent irreversible increase in insulin release, 45Ca2+ efflux, and 86Rb+ efflux and slightly augmented islet cAMP levels. Omission of extracellular Ca2+ abolished the effects of 10 nM TPA and partially inhibited those of 100 nM TPA on insulin release and 45Ca2+ efflux. In contrast, their effect on 86Rb+ efflux was paradoxically augmented. Glucose-induced electrical activity in B-cells was only marginally affected by TPA; the duration of the slow waves with spikes was not modified, but a small shortening of the polarized intervals raised their frequency and slightly increased the overall activity. This increase was significant only with 10 nM TPA, whereas only 100 nM TPA brought about a minute increase in 45Ca2+ influx. These results thus show that TPA induces insulin release or potentiates glucose-induced insulin release without mimicking or amplifying the initial ionic and electrical signals triggered by glucose. They suggest that protein kinase C activation affects stimulus-secretion coupling by modulating intracellular and/or nonelectrogenic membrane events.