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Scientific article
English

Junctional communication of pancreatic beta cells contributes to the control of insulin secretion and glucose tolerance

Published inThe Journal of clinical investigation, vol. 106, no. 2, p. 235-243
Publication date2000
Abstract

Proper insulin secretion requires the coordinated functioning of the numerous beta cells that form pancreatic islets. This coordination depends on a network of communication mechanisms whereby beta cells interact with extracellular signals and adjacent cells via connexin channels. To assess whether connexin-dependent communication plays a role in vivo, we have developed transgenic mice in which connexin 32 (Cx32), one of the vertebrate connexins found in the pancreas, is expressed in beta cells. We show that the altered beta-cell coupling that results from this expression causes reduced insulin secretion in response to physiologically relevant concentrations of glucose and abnormal tolerance to the sugar. These alterations were observed in spite of normal numbers of islets, increased insulin content, and preserved secretory response to glucose by individual beta cells. Moreover, glucose-stimulated islets showed improved electrical synchronization of these cells and increased cytosolic levels of Ca(2+). The results show that connexins contribute to the control of beta cells in vivo and that their excess is detrimental for insulin secretion.

Keywords
  • Animals
  • Calcium Signaling
  • Cell Communication
  • Connexins/ biosynthesis/genetics
  • Glucose/ pharmacology
  • Insulin/ secretion
  • Intercellular Junctions/ physiology
  • Islets of Langerhans/ physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
Citation (ISO format)
CHAROLLAIS, Anne et al. Junctional communication of pancreatic beta cells contributes to the control of insulin secretion and glucose tolerance. In: The Journal of clinical investigation, 2000, vol. 106, n° 2, p. 235–243. doi: 10.1172/JCI9398
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ISSN of the journal0021-9738
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