Regulation of calcium in pancreatic α- and β-cells in health and disease

Journal article

The glucoregulatory hormones insulin and glucagon are released from the β- and α-cells of the pancreatic islets. In both cell types, secretion is secondary to firing of action potentials, Ca 2+-influx via voltage-gated Ca 2+-channels, elevation of [Ca 2+] i and initiation of Ca 2+-dependent exocytosis. Here we discuss the mechanisms that underlie the reciprocal regulation of insulin and glucagon secretion by changes in plasma glucose, the roles played by different types of voltage-gated Ca 2+-channel present in α- and β-cells and the modulation of hormone secretion by Ca 2+-dependent and -independent processes. We also consider how subtle changes in Ca 2+-signalling may have profound impact on β-cell performance and increase risk of developing type-2 diabetes. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

Authors: Rorsman, P; Braun, M; Zhang, Q

• Journal: Cell Calcium
• Volume: 51
• Issue: 3-4
• Pages: 300-308
• Publication date: 2012-03-01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2011.11.006
• EISSN: 1532-1991
• ISSN: 0143-4160
• Language: English
• Keywords: Glucose; Insulin; Ca 2+-channels; Ca 2+; Diabetes; Glucagon