Somatostatin Secretion Research Articles

A Case Report of Duodenal Psammomatous Somatostatinoma

Somatostatinoma is a neuroendocrine tumor; its incidence in the duodenum around the ampulla of Vater is rare, and it is often not associated with secretory manifestation. We report a case of a female with an ampullary (Vater) tumor displaying neuroendocrine nuclear features, psammoma bodies, and the positivity for immunohistochemical panel of neuroendocrine tumors. Our patient presented with some features compatible with somatostatin secretion associated syndrome; albeit with normal serum levels of the hormone. Initial attempt of complete resection failed, and the involved margins were revised with a subsequent surgery, and the patient showed an uneventful course on follow-up for 2 years.

Regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism by the pancreatic and extra-pancreatic actions of taurine.

The beneficial actions of L-taurine (Tau) against glucose intolerance, obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and non-alcoholic fat liver disease (NAFLD) have been linked to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which ameliorate tissue insulin sensitivity. Importantly, there are several lines of evidence that indicate a direct action of Tau on the endocrine pancreas to regulate the secretion and paracrine actions of insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin. Furthermore, Tau can also ameliorate glucose metabolism through the enhancement of insulin signaling. However, some of the benefits of Tau upon intermediary metabolism may manifest via considerable antagonism of the action of insulin. Therefore, this review discusses the mechanisms of action by which Tau may regulate endocrine pancreatic morphofunction, and glucose and lipid homeostasis.

Phenylalanine and tryptophan stimulate gastrin and somatostatin secretion and H+-K+-ATPase activity in pigs through calcium-sensing receptor

In rodents and humans, aromatic amino acids increase gut hormone secretion and H+-K+-ATPase activity by modulating calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). However, the role of CaSR and its related signaling molecules in amino acid-induced gut hormone secretion in swine has not been investigated. Here, we examined whether a CaSR-dependent pathway modulated gastrin and somatostatin (SS) secretion and H+-K+-ATPase activity in pigs. Perfusion of pig stomach tissues in the presence of extracellular 80 mM l-phenylalanine (Phe) or 20 mM l-tryptophan (Trp) and a CaSR agonist cinacalcet triggered gastrin and SS secretion and H+-K+-ATPase activity (P < 0.05) and increased CaSR expression (P < 0.05). This effect of Phe and Trp was dependent on Ca2+ (P < 0.05) and was abolished after treatment with NPS 2143, an inhibitor of CaSR, and 2-aminoethyl diphenyl borinate, an inhibitor of CaSR downstream signaling molecule inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (IP3R). These findings indicate that Phe and Trp induce Ca2+-dependent gastrin and SS secretion and H+-K+-ATPase activity through CaSR and its downstream signaling molecule IP3R.

Distribution and density of melatonin receptors in human main pancreatic islet cell types.

Recent investigations of our group established that melatonin modulates hormone secretion of pancreatic islets via melatonin receptor types MT1 and MT2. Expression of MT1 and MT2 has been shown in mouse, rat, and human pancreatic islets as well as in the β-, α-, and δ-cell lines INS-1, αTC1.9, and QGP-1. In view of these earlier investigations, this study was performed to analyze in detail the distribution and density of melatonin receptors on the main islet cell types in human pancreatic tissue obtained from nondiabetic and type 2 diabetic patients. Immunohistochemical analysis established the presence of MT1 and MT2 in β-, α-, and δ-cells, but notably, with differences in receptor density. In general, the lowest MT1 and MT2 receptor density was measured in α-cells compared to the 2 other cell types. In type 2 diabetic islets, MT1 and MT2 receptor density was increased in δ-cells compared to normoglycemic controls. In human islets in batch culture of a nondiabetic donor, an increase of somatostatin secretion was observed under melatonin treatment while in islets of a type 2 diabetic donor, an inhibitory influence could be observed, especially in the presence of 5.5mmol/L glucose. These data suggest the following: i) cell-type-specific density of MT1 and MT2 receptors in human pancreatic islets, which should be considered in context of the hormone secretion of islets, ii) the influence of diabetes on density of MT1 and MT2 as well as iii) the differential impact of melatonin on somatostatin secretion of nondiabetic and type 2 diabetic islets.

Activation of 5-HT1A Receptors in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nuclei Negatively Regulates Cytochrome P450 Expression and Activity in Rat Liver.

Our recent work suggested a negative effect for the serotonergic innervation of the paraventricular nuclei (PVN) of the hypothalamus on growth hormone secretion and growth hormone-dependent expression of CYP2C11. The aim of our present research was to determine the effect of the activation of the 5-hydroxytryptamine [(5-HT) serotonin] 5-HT1 or 5-HT2 receptors in the PVN on the expression and activity of cytochrome P450 in male rat liver. The serotonergic agonists 5-carboxyamidotryptamine [(5-CT), a 5-HT1 receptor-type agonist], 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propyloamino)-tetralin [(8-OH-DPAT), a 5-HT1A receptor agonist], sumatriptan (a 5-HT1B/D receptor agonist), and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine [(DOI), a 5-HT2A/C receptor agonist] were individually injected into the PVN. The liver cytochrome P450 activity and expression and the levels of serum and pituitary and hypothalamic hormones were measured. 5-CT and 8-OH-DPAT significantly decreased the activity and expression of CYP2C11 at both the mRNA and protein levels, which was accompanied by an increase in pituitary and hypothalamic somatostatin levels and a decrease in the serum growth hormone concentration. The expression of CYP3A1/23 also decreased. The serum corticosterone concentration declined after the injection of 8-OH-DPAT. The obtained results indicated that 5-HT1A but not the 5-HT1B/D or 5-HT2 receptors in the PVN are engaged in the negative neuroendocrine regulation of cytochrome P450 via the stimulation of hypothalamic somatostatin secretion and in the decreases in the serum growth hormone and corticosterone concentrations. Since the affected enzymes metabolize steroids and drugs and 5-HT1A receptors are engaged in the action of psychotropic drugs, the results obtained may be of both physiologic and pharmacological meaning.

Defining G protein-coupled receptor peptide ligand expressomes and signalomes in human and mouse islets

IntroductionIslets synthesise and secrete numerous peptides, some of which are known to be important regulators of islet function and glucose homeostasis. In this study, we quantified mRNAs encoding all peptide ligands of islet G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in isolated human and mouse islets and carried out in vitro islet hormone secretion studies to provide functional confirmation for the species-specific role of peptide YY (PYY) in mouse islets.Materials and methodsGPCR peptide ligand mRNAs in human and mouse islets were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR relative to the reference genes ACTB, GAPDH, PPIA, TBP and TFRC. The pathways connecting GPCR peptide ligands with their receptors were identified by manual searches in the PubMed, IUPHAR and Ingenuity databases. Distribution of PYY protein in mouse and human islets was determined by immunohistochemistry. Insulin, glucagon and somatostatin secretion from islets was measured by radioimmunoassay.ResultsWe have quantified GPCR peptide ligand mRNA expression in human and mouse islets and created specific signalomes mapping the pathways by which islet peptide ligands regulate human and mouse GPCR signalling. We also identified species-specific islet expression of several GPCR ligands. In particular, PYY mRNA levels were ~ 40,000-fold higher in mouse than human islets, suggesting a more important role of locally secreted Pyy in mouse islets. This was confirmed by IHC and functional experiments measuring insulin, glucagon and somatostatin secretion.DiscussionThe detailed human and mouse islet GPCR peptide ligand atlases will allow accurate translation of mouse islet functional studies for the identification of GPCR/peptide signalling pathways relevant for human physiology, which may lead to novel treatment modalities of diabetes and metabolic disease.

Therapeutic Potential of Lentivirus-Mediated Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Gene Therapy for Diabetes.

Postprandial glucose-induced insulin secretion from the islets of Langerhans is facilitated by glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-a metabolic hormone with insulinotropic properties. Among the variety of effects it mediates, GLP-1 induces delta cell secretion of somatostatin, inhibits alpha cell release of glucagon, reduces gastric emptying, and slows food intake. These events collectively contribute to weight loss over time. During type 2 diabetes (T2DM), however, the incretin response to glucose is reduced and accompanied by a moderate reduction in GLP-1 secretion. To compensate for the reduced incretin effect, a human immunodeficiency virus-based lentiviral vector was generated to deliver DNA encoding human GLP-1 (LentiGLP-1), and the anti-diabetic efficacy of LentiGLP-1 was tested in a high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced model of T2DM. Therapeutic administration of LentiGLP-1 reduced blood glucose levels in obese diabetic Sprague Dawley rats, along with improving insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Normoglycemia was correlated with increased blood GLP-1 and pancreatic beta cell regeneration in LentiGLP-1-treated rats. Plasma triglyceride levels were also normalized after LentiGLP-1 injection. Collectively, these data suggest the clinical potential of GLP-1 gene transfer therapy for the treatment of T2DM.

TALK-1 reduces delta-cell endoplasmic reticulum and cytoplasmic calcium levels limiting somatostatin secretion

ObjectiveSingle-cell RNA sequencing studies have revealed that the type-2 diabetes associated two-pore domain K+ (K2P) channel TALK-1 is abundantly expressed in somatostatin-secreting δ-cells. However, a physiological role for TALK-1 in δ-cells remains unknown. We previously determined that in β-cells, K+ flux through endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized TALK-1 channels enhances ER Ca2+ leak, modulating Ca2+ handling and insulin secretion. As glucose amplification of islet somatostatin release relies on Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) from the δ-cell ER, we investigated whether TALK-1 modulates δ-cell Ca2+ handling and somatostatin secretion. MethodsTo define the functions of islet δ-cell TALK-1 channels, we generated control and TALK-1 channel-deficient (TALK-1 KO) mice expressing fluorescent reporters specifically in δ- and α-cells to facilitate cell type identification. Using immunofluorescence, patch clamp electrophysiology, Ca2+ imaging, and hormone secretion assays, we assessed how TALK-1 channel activity impacts δ- and α-cell function. ResultsTALK-1 channels are expressed in both mouse and human δ-cells, where they modulate glucose-stimulated changes in cytosolic Ca2+ and somatostatin secretion. Measurement of cytosolic Ca2+ levels in response to membrane potential depolarization revealed enhanced CICR in TALK-1 KO δ-cells that could be abolished by depleting ER Ca2+ with sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) inhibitors. Consistent with elevated somatostatin inhibitory tone, we observed significantly reduced glucagon secretion and α-cell Ca2+ oscillations in TALK-1 KO islets, and found that blockade of α-cell somatostatin signaling with a somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) antagonist restored glucagon secretion in TALK-1 KO islets. ConclusionsThese data indicate that TALK-1 reduces δ-cell cytosolic Ca2+ elevations and somatostatin release by limiting δ-cell CICR, modulating the intraislet paracrine signaling mechanisms that control glucagon secretion.

δ-cells and β-cells are electrically coupled and regulate α-cell activity via somatostatin.

Key points We used a mouse expressing a light‐sensitive ion channel in β‐cells to understand how α‐cell activity is regulated by β‐cells.Light activation of β‐cells triggered a suppression of α‐cell activity via gap junction‐dependent activation of δ‐cells.Mathematical modelling of human islets suggests that 23% of the inhibitory effect of glucose on glucagon secretion is mediated by β‐cells via gap junction‐dependent activation of δ‐cells/somatostatin secretion. Glucagon, the body's principal hyperglycaemic hormone, is released from α‐cells of the pancreatic islet. Secretion of this hormone is dysregulated in type 2 diabetes mellitus but the mechanisms controlling secretion are not well understood. Regulation of glucagon secretion by factors secreted by neighbouring β‐ and δ‐cells (paracrine regulation) have been proposed to be important. In this study, we explored the importance of paracrine regulation by using an optogenetic strategy. Specific light‐induced activation of β‐cells in mouse islets expressing the light‐gated channelrhodopsin‐2 resulted in stimulation of electrical activity in δ‐cells but suppression of α‐cell activity. Activation of the δ‐cells was rapid and sensitive to the gap junction inhibitor carbenoxolone, whereas the effect on electrical activity in α‐cells was blocked by CYN 154806, an antagonist of the somatostatin‐2 receptor. These observations indicate that optogenetic activation of the β‐cells propagates to the δ‐cells via gap junctions, and the consequential stimulation of somatostatin secretion inhibits α‐cell electrical activity by a paracrine mechanism. To explore whether this pathway is important for regulating α‐cell activity and glucagon secretion in human islets, we constructed computational models of human islets. These models had detailed architectures based on human islets and consisted of a collection of >500 α‐, β‐ and δ‐cells. Simulations of these models revealed that this gap junctional/paracrine mechanism accounts for up to 23% of the suppression of glucagon secretion by high glucose.

Effects of heat stress on somatostatin and some related immune factors in the small intestine of Wenchang chicks

To investigate the effects of heat stress (HS) on developmental changes in immune functions of chick intestinal mucosa, one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned into control check (CK) and heat-stressed (HS) groups and raised under indoor temperature. The chicks in HS group were subjected to HS at 40 ± 0.5°C from 12:00 to14:00 h every day. Intestinal mucosa samples were collected weekly during 6 weeks, and the effects of HS on somatostatin and its related immune factors were examined using immunohistochemical, physiological, and biochemical methods. The results showed that HS obviously increased the amount and integral optical density of somatostatin positive cells, somatostatin content, as well as IFN-γ and IL-2 levels in the small intestine, and these increases reached statistical significance in some intestinal segments (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In addition, IgG, IgA, and IgM levels fluctuated in different intestinal segments and their levels in jejunum, duodenum, and ileum in 6-week-old chicks were significantly lower in HS group than in CK group (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The contents of immune-related enzymes also fluctuated, but the activities of acid phosphatase, lysozyme, and glutathione reductase in duodenum and jejunum were lower in 6-week-old chicks in HS group than in CK group, some reaching statistical significance (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Growth hormone (GH) and HSP70 contents in multiple intestinal segments in 6-week-old chicks were significantly higher in HS group than in CK group (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The results indicate that (1) HS could increase the expression and secretion of somatostatin and affect the normal development of immunoglobulins, cytokines, and immune-related enzymes in the small intestine, and thereby impact the chicks’ intestine immune function; (2) GH and HSP70 in the small intestine were involved in self-protection mechanisms against HS-induced intestinal injury and somatostatin regulation might be one of the important components.

Basal hypersecretion of glucagon and insulin from palmitate-exposed human islets depends on FFAR1 but not decreased somatostatin secretion

In obesity fasting levels of both glucagon and insulin are elevated. In these subjects fasting levels of the free fatty acid palmitate are raised. We have demonstrated that palmitate enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from isolated human islets via free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1/GPR40). Since FFAR1 is also present on glucagon-secreting alpha-cells, we hypothesized that palmitate simultaneously stimulates secretion of glucagon and insulin at fasting glucose concentrations. In addition, we hypothesized that concomitant hypersecretion of glucagon and insulin was also contributed by reduced somatostatin secretion. We found basal glucagon, insulin and somatostatin secretion and respiration from human islets, to be enhanced during palmitate treatment at normoglycemia. Secretion of all hormones and mitochondrial respiration were lowered when FFAR1 or fatty acid β-oxidation was inhibited. The findings were confirmed in the human beta-cell line EndoC-βH1. We conclude that fatty acids enhance both glucagon and insulin secretion at fasting glucose concentrations and that FFAR1 and enhanced mitochondrial metabolism but not lowered somatostatin secretion are crucial in this effect. The ability of chronically elevated palmitate levels to simultaneously increase basal secretion of glucagon and insulin positions elevated levels of fatty acids as potential triggering factors for the development of obesity and impaired glucose control.

A cullin 4B-RING E3 ligase complex fine-tunes pancreatic δ cell paracrine interactions.

Somatostatin secreted by pancreatic δ cells mediates important paracrine interactions in Langerhans islets, including maintenance of glucose metabolism through the control of reciprocal insulin and glucagon secretion. Disruption of this circuit contributes to the development of diabetes. However, the precise mechanisms that control somatostatin secretion from islets remain elusive. Here, we found that a super-complex comprising the cullin 4B-RING E3 ligase (CRL4B) and polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) epigenetically regulates somatostatin secretion in islets. Constitutive ablation of CUL4B, the core component of the CRL4B-PRC2 complex, in δ cells impaired glucose tolerance and decreased insulin secretion through enhanced somatostatin release. Moreover, mechanistic studies showed that the CRL4B-PRC2 complex, under the control of the δ cell-specific transcription factor hematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX), determines the levels of intracellular calcium and cAMP through histone posttranslational modifications, thereby altering expression of the Cav1.2 calcium channel and adenylyl cyclase 6 (AC6) and modulating somatostatin secretion. In response to high glucose levels or urocortin 3 (UCN3) stimulation, increased expression of cullin 4B (CUL4B) and the PRC2 subunit histone-lysine N-methyltransferase EZH2 and reciprocal decreases in Cav1.2 and AC6 expression were found to regulate somatostatin secretion. Our results reveal an epigenetic regulatory mechanism of δ cell paracrine interactions in which CRL4B-PRC2 complexes, Cav1.2, and AC6 expression fine-tune somatostatin secretion and facilitate glucose homeostasis in pancreatic islets.

The role of somatostatin in GLP-1-induced inhibition of glucagon secretion in mice

Aims/hypothesisGlucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are currently used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Their main mechanism of action is enhancement of glucose-induced insulin secretion (from increased beta cell glucose sensitivity) and inhibition of glucagon secretion. The latter has been demonstrated to account for about half of their blood glucose-lowering activity. Whereas the effect of GLP-1 on insulin secretion is clearly dependent on ambient glucose concentrations and has been described in detail, the mechanism responsible for the inhibitory effect of GLP-1 on glucagon secretion is heavily debated. Glucagon inhibition is also said to be glucose-dependent, although it is unclear what is meant by this. We hypothesise here that GLP-1 does not inhibit glucagon secretion during hypoglycaemia because the inhibition depends on somatostatin secretion, which in turn is dependent on glucose levels.MethodsWe used the perfused mouse pancreas model to investigate this hypothesis.ResultsWe found that, in this model, GLP-1 was able to significantly inhibit glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells at all glucose levels tested: 6.0, 1.5 and 0.5 mmol/l (−27.0%, −37.1%, and −23.6%, respectively), and the decrease in glucagon secretion was invariably accompanied by an increase in somatostatin secretion (+286.8%, +158.7%, and +118.8%, respectively). Specific blockade of somatostatin receptor 2 increased glucagon secretion (+118.8% at 1.5 mmol/l glucose and +162.9% at 6.0 mmol/l glucose) and completely eliminated the inhibitory effect of GLP-1.Conclusions/interpretationWe have shown here that the glucagon-lowering effect of GLP-1 is entirely mediated through the paracrine actions of somatostatin in the perfused mouse pancreas. However, in this model, the inhibitory effect of GLP-1 was preserved at hypoglycaemic levels, leaving unanswered the question of how this is avoided in vivo in individuals treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Exploiting Delta Cell Paracrine Interactions to Curb Glucagon Hypersecretion in Diabetes

Diabetes is first and foremost a disease of insulin impairment, but is often accompanied by aberrant glucagon secretion. Uncontrolled alpha cell activity leads to further complications such as diabetic hyperglycemia, and we currently lack good options to manage this aspect of the disease. Within healthy pancreatic islets, delta cells exert an inhibitory influence over the alpha and beta cells via somatostatin; thus, they are uniquely positioned as the principal source of local inhibitory control preventing hormone signaling from going awry. Recent studies from our lab and others have identified local signals (such as Urocortin3 from the beta cells) and external factors (such as ghrelin from the GI tract) that act to directly stimulate somatostatin secretion. These observations cast delta cells as central hubs that are essential to maintain homeostatic control of insulin and glucagon. The objective of this study is to test if the negative feedback from pancreatic delta cells can be targeted to restore control over excess glucagon release in diabetes.MethodsWe have combined transcriptomics, chemicogenetics, and functional imaging of alpha, beta and delta cells in intact islets to help showcase the role of the delta cell within the islet.ResultsOur results indicate that Urocortin3 transiently silences alpha cell activity by activating delta cell‐dependent negative feedback.ConclusionBy targeting the delta cells, we can take advantage of the local feedback mechanism and restore inhibition of alpha cells. Our findings suggest that the pancreatic delta cell is a viable target to normalize the excess glucagon secretion that is partially responsible for hyperglycemia in diabetes.Support or Funding InformationGlyn Noguchi is supported by a NIGMS‐funded Pharmacology Training Program (T32GM099608). The Huising Lab is funded by awards from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and a Hartwell Individual Biomedical Research Award.

GIP(3–30)NH2 is a potent competitive antagonist of the GIP receptor and effectively inhibits GIP-mediated insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin release

Alternative processing of the precursor protein pro-GIP results in endogenously produced GIP(1–30)NH2, that by DPP-4 cleavage in vivo results in the metabolite GIP(3–30)NH2. We showed previously that GIP(3–30)NH2 is a high affinity antagonist of the human GIPR in vitro. Here we determine whether it is suitable for studies of GIP physiology in rats since effects of GIP agonists and antagonists are strictly species-dependent. Transiently transfected COS-7 cells were assessed for cAMP accumulation upon ligand stimulation or assayed in competition binding using human 125I-GIP(1–42) as radioligand. In isolated perfused rat pancreata, insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin-releasing properties were evaluated. Competition binding demonstrated that on the rat GIP receptor (GIPR), rat GIP(3–30)NH2 bound with high affinity (Ki of 17nM), in contrast to human GIP(3–30)NH2 (Ki of 250nM). In cAMP studies, rat GIP(3–30)NH2 inhibited GIP(1–42)-induced rat GIPR activation and schild-plot analysis showed competitive antagonism with a pA2 of 13nM and a slope of 0.9±0.09. Alone, rat GIP(3–30)NH2 displayed weak, low-potent partial agonistic properties (EC50>1μM) with an efficacy of 9.4% at 0.32μM compared to GIP(1–42). In perfused rat pancreata, rat GIP(3–30)NH2 efficiently antagonized rat GIP(1–42)-induced insulin, somatostatin, and glucagon secretion. In summary, rat GIP(3–30)NH2 is a high affinity competitive GIPR antagonist and effectively antagonizes GIP-mediated G protein-signaling as well as pancreatic hormone release, while human GIP(3–30)NH2, despite a difference of only one amino acid between the two (arginine in position 18 in rat GIP(3–30)NH2; histidine in human), is unsuitable in the rat system. This underlines the importance of species differences in the GIP system, and the limitations of testing human peptides in rodent systems.

Model-Based Discovery of Synthetic Agonists for the Zn2+-Sensing G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 39 (GPR39) Reveals Novel Biological Functions.

The G-protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) is a G-protein-coupled receptor activated by Zn2+. We used a homology model-based approach to identify small-molecule pharmacological tool compounds for the receptor. The method focused on a putative binding site in GPR39 for synthetic ligands and knowledge of ligand binding to other receptors with similar binding pockets to select iterative series of minilibraries. These libraries were cherry-picked from all commercially available synthetic compounds. A total of only 520 compounds were tested in vitro, making this method broadly applicable for tool compound development. The compounds of the initial library were inactive when tested alone, but lead compounds were identified using Zn2+ as an allosteric enhancer. Highly selective, highly potent Zn2+-independent GPR39 agonists were found in subsequent minilibraries. These agonists identified GPR39 as a novel regulator of gastric somatostatin secretion.

Effects of Thymoquinone Supplementation on Somatostatin Secretion in Pancreas Tissue of Rats

Effects of Thymoquinone Supplementation on Somatostatin Secretion in Pancreas Tissue of Rats

Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART ) Peptide in Mammals Gastrointestinal System – A Review

Abstract Since its first description over 30 years ago, cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide has been the subject of many studies. Most of these investigations pertain to occurrence and functions of CART within the central nervous system, where this peptide first of all takes part in regulation of feeding, stress reactions, as well as neuroprotective and neuroregenerative processes. However, in recent years more and more studies concern the presence of CART in the gastrointestinal system. This peptide has been described both in stomach and intestine, as well as in other digestive organs such as pancreas or gallbladder. Particularly much information relates to distribution of CART in the enteric nervous system, which is located within the wall of digestive tract. Other studies have described this peptide in intestinal endocrinal cells. Moreover, it is known that CART can be present in various types of neuronal cells and may co-localize with different types of other neuronal active substances, which play roles of neuromediators and/or neuromodulators. On the other hand precise functions of CART in the gastrointestinal system still remain unknown. It is assumed that this peptide is involved in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility, intestinal blood flow, secretion of intestinal juice, somatostatin and/or insulin, as well as takes part in pathological processes within the gastrointestinal tract. The large number of recent studies concerning the above mentioned problems makes that knowledge about occurrence and functions of CART in the digestive system rather piecemeal and requires clarifying, which is the aim of the present article.

Transcriptomic profiling of pancreatic alpha, beta and delta cell populations identifies delta cells as a principal target for ghrelin in mouse islets.

Aims/hypothesisIntra-islet and gut–islet crosstalk are critical in orchestrating basal and postprandial metabolism. The aim of this study was to identify regulatory proteins and receptors underlying somatostatin secretion though the use of transcriptomic comparison of purified murine alpha, beta and delta cells.MethodsSst-Cre mice crossed with fluorescent reporters were used to identify delta cells, while Glu-Venus (with Venus reported under the control of the Glu [also known as Gcg] promoter) mice were used to identify alpha and beta cells. Alpha, beta and delta cells were purified using flow cytometry and analysed by RNA sequencing. The role of the ghrelin receptor was validated by imaging delta cell calcium concentrations using islets with delta cell restricted expression of the calcium reporter GCaMP3, and in perfused mouse pancreases.ResultsA database was constructed of all genes expressed in alpha, beta and delta cells. The gene encoding the ghrelin receptor, Ghsr, was highlighted as being highly expressed and enriched in delta cells. Activation of the ghrelin receptor raised cytosolic calcium levels in primary pancreatic delta cells and enhanced somatostatin secretion in perfused pancreases, correlating with a decrease in insulin and glucagon release. The inhibition of insulin secretion by ghrelin was prevented by somatostatin receptor antagonism.Conclusions/interpretationOur transcriptomic database of genes expressed in the principal islet cell populations will facilitate rational drug design to target specific islet cell types. The present study indicates that ghrelin acts specifically on delta cells within pancreatic islets to elicit somatostatin secretion, which in turn inhibits insulin and glucagon release. This highlights a potential role for ghrelin in the control of glucose metabolism.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00125-016-4033-1) contains peer-reviewed but unedited supplementary material, which is available to authorised users.

Comprehensive alpha, beta and delta cell transcriptomes reveal that ghrelin selectively activates delta cells and promotes somatostatin release from pancreatic islets.

ObjectiveComplex local crosstalk amongst endocrine cells within the islet ensures tight coordination of their endocrine output. This is illustrated by the recent demonstration that the negative feedback control by delta cells within pancreatic islets determines the homeostatic set-point for plasma glucose during mouse postnatal development. However, the close association of islet endocrine cells that facilitates paracrine crosstalk also complicates the distinction between effects mediated directly on beta cells from indirect effects mediated via local intermediates, such as somatostatin from delta cells.MethodsTo resolve this problem, we generated reporter mice that allow collection of pure pancreatic delta cells along with alpha and beta cells from the same islets and generated comprehensive transcriptomes for each islet endocrine cell type. These transcriptomes afford an unparalleled view of the receptors expressed by delta, alpha and beta cells, and allow the prediction of which signal targets which endocrine cell type with great accuracy.ResultsFrom these transcriptomes, we discovered that the ghrelin receptor is expressed exclusively by delta cells within the islet, which was confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization and qPCR. Indeed, ghrelin increases intracellular calcium in delta cells in intact mouse islets, measured by GCaMP6 and robustly potentiates glucose-stimulated somatostatin secretion on mouse and human islets in both static and perfusion assays. In contrast, des-acyl-ghrelin at the same dose had no effect on somatostatin secretion and did not block the actions of ghrelin.ConclusionsThese results offer a straightforward explanation for the well-known insulinostatic actions of ghrelin. Rather than engaging beta cells directly, ghrelin engages delta cells to promote local inhibitory feedback that attenuates insulin release. These findings illustrate the power of our approach to resolve some of the long-standing conundrums with regard to the rich feedback that occurs within the islet that is integral to islet physiology and therefore highly relevant to diabetes.