Endocrine Abstracts

Background: There are now several lines of evidence indicating that a decrease in beta-cell mass, resulting from an increase in apoptosis, is a key feature in both type-1 (T1DM) and -2 diabetes (T2DM). Interestingly, recent studies suggest that the insulin receptor signalling cascade may play key functions in preventing beta-cells from undergoing apoptosis. However, the molecular basis underlying these events remains to be determined.Aims: this study exa...

Background: Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), the enzyme responsible for converting arachidonic acid to prostanoids such as PGE2, has been reported to play an anti-apoptotic role in invasive breast cancers. We have now examined whether COX-2 and PGE2 protect against apoptosis in the MIN6 insulin-secreting cell line.Methods: Serum-deprived MIN6 cells were exposed to an inhibitor of COX-2 (NS-398) and/or PGE2 for 48 hours and the ...

We have previously used insulin-secreting MIN6 cells configured into islet-like structures (pseudoislets) to demonstrate that homotypic interactions between beta-cells are essential for normal insulin secretory responses. We have now investigated whether homotypic interactions are important in secretion of other pancreatic hormones. Glucagon-secreting alpha-TC1 cells were cultured as adherent monolayers, or as pseudoislets grown on gelatin, and hormone release was measured in ...