Human Beta Cells Produce and Release Serotonin to Inhibit Glucagon Secretion from Alpha Cells.

ABSTRACT: In the pancreatic islet, serotonin is an autocrine signal increasing beta cell mass during metabolic challenges such as those associated with pregnancy or high-fat diet. It is still unclear whether serotonin is relevant for regular islet physiology and hormone secretion. Here, we show that human beta cells produce and secrete serotonin when stimulated with increases in glucose concentration. Serotonin secretion from beta cells decreases cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in neighboring alpha cells via 5-HT_1F receptors and inhibits glucagon secretion. Without serotonergic input, alpha cells lose their ability to regulate glucagon secretion in response to changes in glucose concentration, suggesting that diminished serotonergic control of alpha cells can cause glucose blindness and the unco

SUBMITTER: Almaca J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5217294 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature