Abstract
Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is characterized by the selective destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Chronic treatment with cytokines induced a low voltage-activated (LVA) Ca2+ current in mouse β-cells. The concomitant increase in the basal cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](i)) was associated with DNA fragmentation and cell death. Antagonists of LVA Ca2+ channels prevented this elevation of basal [Ca2+](i) and DNA fragmentation and reduced the percentage of cell death. Exposure to cytokines did not affect the profile of Ca2+ currents or basal [Ca2+ ](i) in glucagon-secreting α-cells. An increased Ca2+ signal through LVA Ca2+ channels may thus be a key feature in cytokine-induced β- cell destruction.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1200-1204 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Endocrinology |
Volume | 140 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1999 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Endocrinology