scholarly journals Quick-freeze fixation and freeze-drying of isolated rat pancreatic islets: application to the ultrastructural localization of inorganic phosphate in the pancreatic beta cell.

1981 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 321-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
R W Dudek ◽  
A F Boyne ◽  
N Freinkel

A bounce-free mechanical quick-freeze assembly and a Coulter-Terracio freeze-dry apparatus were successfully coupled to obtain high quality ultrastructural preservation of pancreatic beta cells in a simple and dependable manner. Except for obvious shrinkage spaces, morphological relationships at the tissue, cellular, and subcellular levels were all intact. Beta cell secretory granules demonstrated a dense core surrounded by an electron lucent halo as typically described in specimens after aqueous fixation. Cell membranes and intracellular membranes demonstrated a trilaminar appearance. Golgi apparatus were well preserved. Two clearly defined populations of mitochondria were found. One group of very dark mitochondria had extremely dense matrices in which cristae were barely visible. A second group of mitochondria had light matrices with prominent cristae. The combined quick-freeze fixation and freeze-drying was applied to reevaluate the ultrastructural localization of inorganic phosphate that had been precipitated with lead in the beta cells of pancreatic islets. Accumulation of inorganic phosphate adjacent to the plasma membrane and over the nucleolus of the beta cell in nonstimulated islets was documented with better detail than heretofore possible.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
kevin Saitoski ◽  
Maria Ryaboshapkina ◽  
Ghaith Hamza ◽  
Andrew F Jarnuczak ◽  
claire berthault ◽  
...  

Aims/hypothesis: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is involved in the degradation of LDLR. However, PCSK9 can target other proteins in a cell-type specific manner. While PCSK9 has been detected in pancreatic islets, its expression in insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells is debated. Herein, we studied PCSK9 expression, regulation and function in the human pancreatic beta cell line EndoC-βH1. Methods: We assessed PCSK9 expression in mouse and human pancreatic islets, and in the pancreatic beta cell line EndoC-βH1. We also studied PCSK9 regulation by cholesterol, lipoproteins, Mevastatin, and by SREBPs transcription factors. To evaluate PCSK9 function in pancreatic beta cells, we performed PCSK9 gain-and loss-of-function experiments in EndoC-βH1 using siPCSK9 or recombinant PCSK9 treatments, respectively. Results: We demonstrate that PCSK9 is expressed and secreted by pancreatic beta cells. In EndoC-βH1 cells, PCSK9 expression is regulated by cholesterol and by SREBPs transcription factors. Importantly, PCSK9 knockdown results in multiple transcriptome, proteome and secretome deregulations and impaired insulin secretion. By gain- and loss-of- function experiments, we observed that PCSK9 regulates the expression levels of LDLR and VLDLR through an extracellular mechanism while CD36, PD-L1 and HLA-ABC are regulated through an intracellular mechanism. Conclusions/interpretation: Collectively, these results highlight PCSK9 as an important regulator of CD36, PD-L1 and HLA-ABC cell surface expression in pancreatic beta cells. Data availability: RNA-seq data have been deposited to GEO database with accession number GSE182016. Mass spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE partner repository with the following identifiers: PXD027921, PXD027911 and PXD027913.


1982 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
R W Dudek ◽  
G V Childs ◽  
A F Boyne

Quick-freeze fixation and freeze-dry methods were used successfully to obtain ultrastructural localization of insulin in the pancreatic beta cell by the unlabeled antibody-enzyme technique. In unosmicated freeze-fixed and freeze-dried islets, insulin was specifically demonstrated over the dense core of the secretory granules. In osmicated freeze-fixed and freeze-dried islets, insulin antigenicity withstood the osmium tetroxide vapor treatment. In addition, the surrounding ultrastructural resolution of morphologic features was significantly improved, which allowed insulin to be localized not only in secretory granules, but also in intracellular membranous compartments, with a degree of confidence not heretofore possible. Extracellular sites of insulin positivity in the islet were also localized and possible exocytotic activity for showing insulin release was observed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (600) ◽  
pp. eabb1038
Author(s):  
Wing Yan So ◽  
Wai Nam Liu ◽  
Adrian Kee Keong Teo ◽  
Guy A. Rutter ◽  
Weiping Han

The paired box 6 (PAX6) transcription factor is crucial for normal pancreatic islet development and function. Heterozygous mutations of PAX6 are associated with impaired insulin secretion and early-onset diabetes mellitus in humans. However, the molecular mechanism of PAX6 in controlling insulin secretion in human beta cells and its pathophysiological role in type 2 diabetes (T2D) remain ambiguous. We investigated the molecular pathway of PAX6 in the regulation of insulin secretion and the potential therapeutic value of PAX6 in T2D by using human pancreatic beta cell line EndoC-βH1, the db/db mouse model, and primary human pancreatic islets. Through loss- and gain-of-function approaches, we uncovered a mechanism by which PAX6 modulates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) through a cAMP response element–binding protein (CREB)/Munc18-1/2 pathway. Moreover, under diabetic conditions, beta cells and pancreatic islets displayed dampened PAX6/CREB/Munc18-1/2 pathway activity and impaired GSIS, which were reversed by PAX6 replenishment. Adeno-associated virus–mediated PAX6 overexpression in db/db mouse pancreatic beta cells led to a sustained amelioration of glycemic perturbation in vivo but did not affect insulin resistance. Our study highlights the pathophysiological role of PAX6 in T2D-associated beta cell dysfunction in humans and suggests the potential of PAX6 gene transfer in preserving and restoring beta cell function.


1995 ◽  
Vol 43 (8) ◽  
pp. 771-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Bendayan ◽  
D Malide ◽  
E Ziv ◽  
E Levy ◽  
R Ben-Sasson ◽  
...  

Hyperproinsulinemia is a characteristic feature of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) caused by pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction through a secretion-related alteration or impaired proinsulin processing. We have investigated the insulin processing and secretion in Psammomys obesus fed with low- and high-energy diets, which represent a model for diet-induced NIDDM. With a high-energy diet the animals develop hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, whereas those maintained on a low-energy diet remain normoglycemic. Although a large amount of insulin immunoreactivity was detected in beta-cells of the normoglycemic compared to hyperglycemic animals, in situ hybridization for insulin mRNA demonstrated a particularly high signal in the beta-cells of the hyperglycemic animals. By electron microscopy, the beta-cells of normoglycemic animals displayed large accumulations of secretory granules, whereas those of the hyperglycemic animals contained very few granules and large deposits of glycogen. These results reflect a secretory resting condition for the cells of the normoglycemic animals in contrast to stimulated synthetic and secretory activities in the cells of the hyperglycemic ones. Using colloidal gold immunocytochemistry at the electron microscopic level, we have examined subcellular proinsulin processing in relation to the convertases PC1 and PC2. Immunolabeling of proinsulin, insulin, C-peptide, PC1, and PC2 in different cell compartments involved in beta-cell secretion were evaluated. Both PC1 and PC2 antigenic sites were detected in beta-cells of hyperglycemic Psammomys, but their labeling intensity was weak compared to the cells of normoglycemic animals. In both groups of animals, higher levels of PC2 were found in the Golgi apparatus than in the immature granules. Major decreases in proinsulin, insulin, PC1, and PC2 immunoreactivity were recorded in beta-cells of the hyperglycemic Psammomys. In addition, all these antigenic sites were detected in lysosome-like structures, revealing a major degradation process. These results suggest that the insulin-secreting cells in hyperglycemic Psammomys obesus are in a chronic secretory state during which impaired processing of proinsulin appears to take place.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Puddu ◽  
Roberta Sanguineti ◽  
François Mach ◽  
Franco Dallegri ◽  
Giorgio Luciano Viviani ◽  
...  

The primary function of pancreatic beta-cells is to produce and release insulin in response to increment in extracellular glucose concentrations, thus maintaining glucose homeostasis. Deficient beta-cell function can have profound metabolic consequences, leading to the development of hyperglycemia and, ultimately, diabetes mellitus. Therefore, strategies targeting the maintenance of the normal function and protecting pancreatic beta-cells from injury or death might be crucial in the treatment of diabetes. This narrative review will update evidence from the recently identified molecular regulators preserving beta-cell mass and function recovery in order to suggest potential therapeutic targets against diabetes. This review will also highlight the relevance for novel molecular pathways potentially improving beta-cell dysfunction.


2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eiji Yamato

Abstract Objective. Histone deacytylase inhibitors (HDACis) inhibit the deacetylation of the lysine residue of proteins, including histones, and regulate the transcription of a variety of genes. Recently, HDACis have been used clinically as anti-cancer drugs and possible anti-diabetic drugs. Even though HDACis have been proven to protect the cytokine-induced damage of pancreatic beta cells, evidence also shows that high doses of HDACis are cytotoxic. In the present study, we, therefore, investigated the eff ect of HDACis on insulin secretion in a pancreatic beta cell line. Methods. Pancreatic beta cells MIN6 were treated with selected HDACis (trichostatin A, TSA; valproic acid, VPA; and sodium butyrate, NaB) in medium supplemented with 25 mM glucose and 13% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS) for indicated time intervals. Protein expression of Pdx1 and Mafa in MIN6 cells was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry, expression of Pdx1 and Mafa genes was measured by quantitative RT-PCR method. Insulin release from MIN6 cells and insulin cell content were estimated by ELISA kit. Superoxide production in MIN6 cells was measured using a Total ROS/Superoxide Detection System. Results. TSA, VPA, and NaB inhibited the expression of Pdx1 and Mafa genes and their products. TSA treatment led to beta cell malfunction, characterized by enhanced insulin secretion at 3 and 9 mM glucose, but impaired insulin secretion at 15 and 25 mM glucose. Th us, TSA induced dysregulation of the insulin secretion mechanism. TSA also enhanced reactive oxygen species production in pancreatic beta cells. Conclusions. Our results showed that HDACis caused failure to suppress insulin secretion at low glucose concentrations and enhance insulin secretion at high glucose concentrations. In other words, when these HDACis are used clinically, high doses of HDACis may cause hypoglycemia in the fasting state and hyperglycemia in the fed state. When using HDACis, physicians should, therefore, be aware of the capacity of these drugs to modulate the insulin secretory capacity of pancreatic beta cells.


1989 ◽  
Vol 257 (6) ◽  
pp. C1171-C1176 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. H. Keahey ◽  
A. E. Boyd ◽  
D. L. Kunze

The mechanisms by which norepinephrine and epinephrine activate alpha 2-adrenergic receptors and inhibit insulin release from the pancreatic beta-cell (19, 21, 23) are not yet clear but may involve modulation at several sites. Because intracellular calcium has been implicated in the secretory process, it has been suggested that catecholamines may inhibit secretion by blocking calcium influx, thus reducing the free cytosolic calcium concentration (23). The present study examines the effects of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and clonidine on calcium current in an SV40-transformed hamster beta-cell line (HIT cells). Under voltage-clamp conditions, calcium currents were reversibly inhibited by norepinephrine, epinephrine, and clonidine in the low nanomolar range. The effects were blocked by 1) the alpha 2-antagonist yohimbine, 2) preincubation of the cells with pertussis toxin (PTX), and 3) guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP beta S), the nonhydrolyzable GDP analogue that competitively inhibits the interaction of GTP with G proteins. In contrast, guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) caused irreversible blockade by catecholamines. These effects could not be overcome by adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), suggesting that the adenylate cyclase pathway is not involved in the G protein coupling with the channels. These studies show that catecholamines inhibit calcium currents in beta-cells through an alpha 2-adrenoreceptor PTX-sensitive G protein pathway and could inhibit insulin secretion by this mechanism.


1997 ◽  
Vol 155 (2) ◽  
pp. 283-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Jorns ◽  
R Munday ◽  
M Tiedge ◽  
S Lenzen

The in vitro toxicity of the diabetogenic agent alloxan as documented by the induction of beta cell necrosis was studied in isolated ob/ob mouse pancreatic islets. The effect of alloxan has been compared with that of a number of N-alkyl alloxan derivatives and with that of the structurally related compound, ninhydrin. Alloxan and its derivatives were selectively toxic to pancreatic beta cells, with other endocrine cells and exocrine parenchymal cells being well preserved, even at high concentration. In contrast, ninhydrin was selectively toxic to pancreatic beta cells only at comparatively low concentration, destroying all islet cell types at high concentrations. The ultrastructural changes induced by all the test compounds in pancreatic beta cells in vitro were very similar to those observed during the development of alloxan diabetes in vivo. The relative toxicity of the various compounds to pancreatic beta cells in vitro was not, however, related to their ability to cause diabetes in vivo. Indeed, the non-diabetogenic substances ninhydrin, N-butylalloxan and N-isobutylalloxan were very much more toxic to isolated islets than the diabetogenic compounds alloxan and N-methylalloxan. These results suggest that the differences in diabetogenicity among alloxan derivatives are not due to intrinsic differences in the susceptibility of the pancreatic beta cells to their toxicity, but may reflect differences in distribution or metabolism. High concentrations of glucose protected islets against the harmful effects of alloxan and its derivatives, but not those of ninhydrin. Low levels of glucose, and non-carbohydrate nutrients, afforded little protection, indicating that the effect of glucose is not due to the production of reducing equivalents within the cell, 3-O-Methylglucose, which protects against alloan diabetes in vivo, did not protect against alloxan toxicity in vitro. Since 3-O-methylglucose is known to prevent uptake of alloxan by pancreatic beta cells, it appears that uptake of alloxan by the cell is not a prerequisite for the induction of beta cell necrosis.


Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 658 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming-Shih Lee ◽  
Charng-Cherng Chyau ◽  
Chi-Ping Wang ◽  
Ting-Hsuan Wang ◽  
Jing-Hsien Chen ◽  
...  

Oxidative stress is highly associated with the development of diabetes mellitus (DM), especially pancreatic beta-cell injury. Flavonoids derived from plants have caused important attention in the prevention or treatment of DM. Lotus seedpod belongs to a traditional Chinese herbal medicine and has been indicated to possess antioxidant, anti-age, anti-glycative, and hepatoprotective activities. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the pancreatic beta-cell protective effects of lotus seedpod aqueous extracts (LSE) against oxidative injury. According to HPLC/ESI-MS-MS method, LSE was confirmed to have flavonoids derivatives, especially quercetin-3-glucuronide (Q3G). In vitro, LSE dose-dependently improved the survival and function of rat pancreatic beta-cells (RIN-m5F) from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-mediated loss of cell viability, impairment of insulin secretion, and promotion of oxidative stress. LSE showed potential in decreasing the H2O2-induced occurrence of apoptosis. In addition, H2O2-triggered acidic vesicular organelle formation and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3)-II upregulation, markers of autophagy, were increased by LSE. Molecular data explored that antiapoptotic and autophagic effects of LSE, comparable to that of Q3G, might receptively be mediated via phospho-Bcl-2-associated death promoter (p-Bad)/B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and class III phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/LC3-II signal pathway. In vivo, LSE improved the DM symptoms and pancreatic cell injury better than metformin, a drug that is routinely prescribed to treat DM. These data implied that LSE induces the autophagic signaling, leading to protect beta-cells from oxidative stress-related apoptosis and injury.


1995 ◽  
Vol 269 (1) ◽  
pp. E162-E171 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Hamamdzic ◽  
E. Duzic ◽  
J. D. Sherlock ◽  
S. M. Lanier

Activation of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors (alpha 2-AR) in pancreatic beta-cells inhibits insulin secretion in response to various stimuli, and acute or long-term regulation of alpha 2-AR receptor-mediated effects may influence the tissue response to glucose dishomeostasis. As an initial approach to this issue, we determined the effect of various metabolic and hormonal treatments on alpha 2-AR expression and coupling in the pancreatic beta-cell lines HIT-T15 and RIN-5AH. Radioligand binding studies ([3H]RX-821002) and RNA blot analysis indicate that both pancreatic beta-cell lines express the alpha 2A/D-AR subtype [for HIT-T15 the maximum binding (Bmax) = 113 +/- 28; for RIN-5AH Bmax = 93 +/- 18 fmol/mg of cellular protein]. Treatment of HIT-T15 or RIN-5AH cells with glucocorticoids [dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, or prednisolone (1 microM)] increased alpha 2-AR mRNA level and receptor protein density three- to fivefold. The glucocorticoid-induced increase in receptor density in HIT-T15 cells was associated with 1) an increase in the amount of receptors coupled to G protein as determined by analysis of high-affinity 5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate-sensitive binding of [3H]UK-14304, a selective alpha 2-AR agonist, and 2) a greater inhibition of forskolin-induced elevation of cellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate after receptor activation. Receptor density in HIT-T15 cells was not altered by different growth conditions, insulin (1 microM), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (1 microM), or the sex steroids testosterone and progesterone (1 microM). These data indicate that glucocorticoids upregulate alpha 2-AR expression and signaling in pancreatic beta-cells. Such regulation may operate in a cell-specific manner, allowing discrete modulation of tissue responses to glucose dishomeostasis.


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