Glucokinase intrinsically regulates glucose sensing and glucagon secretion in pancreatic alpha cells.

ABSTRACT: The secretion of glucagon by pancreatic alpha cells is regulated by a number of external and intrinsic factors. While the electrophysiological processes linking a lowering of glucose concentrations to an increased glucagon release are well characterized, the evidence for the identity and function of the glucose sensor is still incomplete. In the present study we aimed to address two unsolved problems: (1) do individual alpha cells have the intrinsic capability to regulate glucagon secretion by glucose, and (2) is glucokinase the alpha cell glucose sensor in this scenario. Single cell RT-PCR was used to confirm that glucokinase is the main glucose-phosphorylating enzyme expressed in rat pancreatic alpha cells. Modulation of glucokinase activity by pharmacological activators and inhibitors l

SUBMITTER: Moede T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7678872 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature