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Horm Metab Res 1976; 8(1): 11-16
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1093685
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Kinetics of Electrical Activity of Beta Cells in Response to a "Square Wave" Stimulation with Glucose or Glibenclamide[*]

H. P. Meissner , I. J. Atwater [**]
  • I. Physiologisches Institut der Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 December 2008 (online)

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Abstract

The effect of a "square wave" stimulation with glucose or glibenclamide on the electrical activity of β-cells has been studied with microelectrode techniques in isolated perfused mouse islets. While glucose evoked a burst activity with periodic oscillations of the membrane potential between two levels, glibenclamide produced a constant depolarization with a continuous spike activity. In both cases the time course of activity was biphasic and resembled closely the corresponding patterns of insulin release. The effect of glibenclamide on the membrane was irreversible. The results provide further evidence for a direct correlation between insulin release and electrical activity. Further more, it is suggested that the membrane potential is, at least in part, involved in the mechanism of biphasic insulin release.

Key words

β-Cells - Electrical Activity - Glucose - Glibenclamide - Insulin Secretion

1 Supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bad Godesbcrg (SFB 38 ,,Mcmbranforschung").

1 Supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bad Godesbcrg (SFB 38 ,,Mcmbranforschung").

2 Present address: Laboratoire de Neurobiologie, Ecole Normale Superiéure, 46, Rue d'Ulm, F-75230 Paris Cédex 05, France

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