Possible New Strategies for the Treatment of Congenital Hyperinsulinism.

Objective: Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a rare disease characterized by persistent hypoglycemia as a result of inappropriate insulin secretion, which can lead to irreversible neurological defects in infants. Poor efficacy and strong adverse effects of the current medications impede successful treatment. The aim of the study was to investigate new approaches to silence ß-cells and thus attenuate insulin secretion. Research Design and Methods: In the scope of our research, we tested substances more selective and more potent than the gold standard diazoxide that also interact with neuroendocrine ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels. Additionally, KATP channel-independent targets as Ca2+-activated K+ channels of intermediate conductance (KCa3.1) and L-type Ca2+ channels were investigated. Experiments were performed using human islet cell clusters isolated from tissue of CHI patients (histologically classified as pathological) and islet cell clusters obtained from C57BL/6N (WT) or SUR1 knockout (SUR1-/-) mice. The cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) was used as a parameter for the pathway regulated by electrical activity and was determined by fura-2 fluorescence. The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) was determined by rhodamine 123 fluorescence and single channel currents were measured by the patch-clamp technique. Results: The selective KATP channel opener NN414 (5 µM) diminished [Ca2+]c in isolated human CHI islet cell clusters and WT mouse islet cell clusters stimulated with 10 mM glucose. In islet cell clusters lacking functional KATP channels (SUR1-/-) the drug was without effect. VU0071063 (30 µM), another KATP channel opener considered to be selective, lowered [Ca2+]c in human CHI islet cell clusters. The compound was also effective in islet cell clusters from SUR1-/- mice, showing that [Ca2+]c is influenced by additional effects besides KATP channels. Contrasting to NN414, the drug depolarized ΔΨ in murine islet cell clusters pointing to severe interference with mitochondrial metabolism. An opener of KCa3.1 channels, DCEBIO (100 µM), significantly decreased [Ca2+]c in SUR1-/- and human CHI islet cell clusters. To target L-type Ca2+ channels we tested two already approved drugs, dextromethorphan (DXM) and simvastatin. DXM (100 µM) efficiently diminished [Ca2+]c in stimulated human CHI islet cell clusters as well as in stimulated SUR1-/- islet cell clusters. Similar effects on [Ca2+]c were observed in experiments with simvastatin (7.2 µM). Conclusions: NN414 seems to provide a good alternative to the currently used KATP channel opener diazoxide. Targeting KCa3.1 channels by channel openers or L-type Ca2+ channels by DXM or simvastatin might be valuable approaches for treatment of CHI caused by mutations of KATP channels not sensitive to KATP channel openers.

Approved LXR agonists exert unspecific effects on pancreatic ß-cell function.

Novel agonists of the nuclear liver-X-receptor (LXR) are designed to treat metabolic disorders or cancer. The rationale to develop these new drugs is based on promising results with established LXR agonist like T0901317 and GW3965. LXRα and LXRß are expressed in ß-cells, and expression is increased by T0901317. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether effects of these drugs on ß-cell function are specific and reliably linked to LXR activation. T0901317 and GW3965, widely used as specific LXR agonists, show rapid, non-genomic effects on stimulus-secretion coupling of mouse pancreatic ß-cells at low µM concentrations. T0901317 lowered the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, reduced or completely inhibited action potentials, and decreased insulin secretion. GW3965 exerted similar effects on insulin secretion. T0901317 affected the production of reactive oxygen species and ATP. The involvement of the classical nuclear LXRs in T0901317- and GW3965-mediated effects in ß-cells could be ruled out using LXRα, LXRß and double knockout mice. Our results strongly suggest that LXR agonists, that are considered to be specific for this receptor, interfere with mitochondrial metabolism and metabolism-independent processes in ß-cells. Thus, it is indispensable to test novel LXR agonists accompanying to ongoing clinical trials for acute and chronic effects on cell function in cellular systems and/or animal models lacking classical LXRs.

ATP binding without hydrolysis switches sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) to outward-facing conformations that activate KATP channels.

Neuroendocrine-type ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels are metabolite sensors coupling membrane potential with metabolism, thereby linking insulin secretion to plasma glucose levels. They are octameric complexes, (SUR1/Kir6.2)4, comprising sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1 or ABCC8) and a K+-selective inward rectifier (Kir6.2 or KCNJ11). Interactions between nucleotide-, agonist-, and antagonist-binding sites affect channel activity allosterically. Although it is hypothesized that opening these channels requires SUR1-mediated MgATP hydrolysis, we show here that ATP binding to SUR1, without hydrolysis, opens channels when nucleotide antagonism on Kir6.2 is minimized and SUR1 mutants with increased ATP affinities are used. We found that ATP binding is sufficient to switch SUR1 alone between inward- or outward-facing conformations with low or high dissociation constant, KD , values for the conformation-sensitive channel antagonist [3H]glibenclamide ([3H]GBM), indicating that ATP can act as a pure agonist. Assembly with Kir6.2 reduced SUR1's KD for [3H]GBM. This reduction required the Kir N terminus (KNtp), consistent with KNtp occupying a "transport cavity," thus positioning it to link ATP-induced SUR1 conformational changes to channel gating. Moreover, ATP/GBM site coupling was constrained in WT SUR1/WT Kir6.2 channels; ATP-bound channels had a lower KD for [3H]GBM than ATP-bound SUR1. This constraint was largely eliminated by the Q1179R neonatal diabetes-associated mutation in helix 15, suggesting that a "swapped" helix pair, 15 and 16, is part of a structural pathway connecting the ATP/GBM sites. Our results suggest that ATP binding to SUR1 biases KATP channels toward open states, consistent with SUR1 variants with lower KD values causing neonatal diabetes, whereas increased KD values cause congenital hyperinsulinism.

TGR5 Activation Promotes Stimulus-Secretion Coupling of Pancreatic ß-Cells via a PKA-Dependent Pathway.

The Takeda-G-protein-receptor-5 (TGR5) mediates physiological actions of bile acids. Since it was shown that TGR5 is expressed in pancreatic tissue, a direct TGR5 activation in ß-cells is currently postulated and discussed. The current study reveals that oleanolic acid (OLA) affects murine ß-cell function by TGR5 activation. Both a Gαs inhibitor and an inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase (AC) prevented stimulating effects of OLA. Accordingly, OLA augmented the intracellular cAMP concentration. OLA and two well-established TGR5 agonists, RG239 and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), acutely promoted stimulus-secretion coupling (SSC). OLA reduced KATP current and elevated current through Ca2+ channels. Accordingly, in mouse and human ß-cells, TGR5 ligands increased the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration by stimulating Ca2+ influx. Higher OLA concentrations evoked a dual reaction, probably due to activation of a counterregulating pathway. Protein kinase A (PKA) was identified as a downstream target of TGR5 activation. In contrast, inhibition of phospholipase C and phosphoinositide 3-kinase did not prevent stimulating effects of OLA. Involvement of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 2 (Epac2) or farnesoid X receptor (FXR2) was ruled out by experiments with knockout mice. The proposed pathway was not influenced by local glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretion from α-cells, shown by experiments with MIN6 cells, and a GLP-1 receptor antagonist. In summary, these data clearly demonstrate that activation of TGR5 in ß-cells stimulates insulin secretion via an AC/cAMP/PKA-dependent pathway, which is supposed to interfere with SSC by affecting KATP and Ca2+ currents and thus membrane potential.

ATP mediates a negative autocrine signal on stimulus-secretion coupling in mouse pancreatic ß-cells.

PURPOSE: The role of ATP, which is secreted by pancreatic ß-cells, is still a matter of debate. It has been postulated that extracellular ATP acts as a positive auto- or paracrine signal in ß-cells amplifying insulin secretion. However, there is rising evidence that extracellular ATP may also mediate a negative signal. METHODS: We evaluated whether extracellular ATP interferes with the Ca2+-mediated negative feedback mechanism that regulates oscillatory activity of ß-cells. RESULTS: To experimentally uncover the Ca2+-induced feedback we applied a high extracellular Ca2+ concentration. Under this condition ATP (100 µM) inhibited glucose-evoked oscillations of electrical activity and hyperpolarized the membrane potential. Furthermore, ATP acutely increased the interburst phase of Ca2+ oscillations and reduced the current through L-type Ca2+ channels. Accordingly, ATP (500 µM) decreased glucose-induced insulin secretion. The ATP effect was not mimicked by AMP, ADP, or adenosine. The use of specific agonists and antagonists and mice deficient of large conductance Ca2+-dependent K+ channels revealed that P2X, but not P2Y receptors, and Ca2+-dependent K+ channels are involved in the underlying signaling cascade induced by ATP. The effectiveness of ATP to interfere with parameters of stimulus-secretion coupling is markedly reduced at low extracellular Ca2+ concentration. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that extracellular ATP which is co-secreted with insulin in a pulsatile manner during glucose-stimulated exocytosis provides a negative feedback signal driving ß-cell oscillations in co-operation with Ca2+ and other signals.

Energy depletion and not ROS formation is a crucial step of glucolipotoxicity (GLTx) in pancreatic beta cells.

We have shown previously that genetic or pharmacological deletion of KATP channels protect against beta cell dysfunction induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since it is assumed that glucolipotoxicity (GLTx) causes ROS production, we aimed to evaluate whether suppression of KATP channel activity can also prevent beta cell damage evoked by GLTx. We used an in vitro model of GLTx and measured distinct parameters of stimulus-secretion coupling. GLTx gradually induced disturbances of Ca2+ oscillations over 3 days. This impairment in Ca2+ dynamics was partially reversed in beta cells without functional KATP channels (SUR1-/-) and by the sulfonylurea gliclazide but not by tolbutamide. By contrast, the GLTx-induced suppression of glucose-induced insulin secretion could not be rescued by decreased KATP channel activity pointing to a direct interaction of GLTx with the secretory capacity. Accordingly, GLTx also suppressed KCl-induced insulin secretion. GLTx was not accompanied by decisively increased ROS production or enhanced apoptosis. Insulin content of beta cells was markedly reduced by GLTx, an effect not prevented by gliclazide. Since GLTx markedly diminished the mitochondrial membrane potential and cellular ATP content, lack of ATP is assumed to decrease insulin biosynthesis. The deleterious effect of GLTx is therefore caused by direct interference with the secretory capacity whereby reduction of insulin content is one important parameter. These findings deepen our understanding how GLTx damages beta cells and reveal that GLTx is disconnected from ROS formation, a notion important for targeting beta cells in the treatment of diabetes. Overall, GLTx-induced energy depletion may be a primary step in the cascade of events leading to loss of beta cell function in type-2 diabetes mellitus.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Affects Stimulus-Secretion Coupling of Pancreatic ß-Cells.

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) influences glucose homeostasis and possibly acts as a link between the cardiovascular system and metabolism, especially in metabolic disorders like diabetes. The current study evaluated effects of ANP on ß-cell function by the use of a ß-cell-specific knockout of the ANP receptor with guanylate cyclase activity (ßGC-A-KO). ANP augmented insulin secretion at the threshold glucose concentration of 6 mmol/L and decreased KATP single-channel activity in ß-cells of control mice but not of ßGC-A-KO mice. In wild-type ß-cells but not ß-cells lacking functional KATP channels (SUR1-KO), ANP increased electrical activity, suggesting no involvement of other ion channels. At 6 mmol/L glucose, ANP readily elicited Ca2+ influx in control ß-cells. This effect was blunted in ß-cells of ßGC-A-KO mice, and the maximal cytosolic Ca2+ concentration was lower. Experiments with inhibitors of protein kinase G (PKG), protein kinase A (PKA), phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B), and a membrane-permeable cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) analog on KATP channel activity and insulin secretion point to participation of the cGMP/PKG and cAMP/PKA/Epac (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP) directly activated by cAMP Epac pathways in the effects of ANP on ß-cell function; the latter seems to prevail. Moreover, ANP potentiated the effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) on glucose-induced insulin secretion, which could be caused by a cGMP-mediated inhibition of PDE3B, which in turn reduces cAMP degradation.

The LXR Ligand T0901317 Acutely Inhibits Insulin Secretion by Affecting Mitochondrial Metabolism.

The role of liver X receptor (LXR) in pancreatic ß-cell physiology and pathophysiology is still unclear. It has been postulated that chronic LXR activation in ß-cells induces lipotoxicity, a key step in the development of ß-cell dysfunction, which accompanies type 2 diabetes mellitus. In most of these studies, the LXR ligand T0901317 has been administered chronically in the micromolar range to study the significance of LXR activation. In the current study, we have evaluated acute effects of T0901317 on stimulus-secretion coupling of ß-cells. We found that 10 µM T0901317 completely suppressed oscillations of the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration induced by 15 mM glucose. Obviously, this effect was due to inhibition of mitochondrial metabolism. T0901317 markedly depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential, thus inhibiting adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and reducing the cytosolic ATP concentration. This led in turn to a huge increase in KATP current and hyperpolarization of the cell membrane potential. Eventually, T0901317 inhibited glucose-induced insulin secretion. These effects were rapid in on-set and not compatible with the activation of a nuclear receptor. In vivo, T0901317 acutely increased the blood glucose concentration after intraperitoneal application. In summary, these data clearly demonstrate that T0901317 exerts acute effects on stimulus-secretion coupling. This observation questions the chronic use of T0901317 and limits the interpretation of results obtained under these experimental conditions.

The Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas Axis Improves Pancreatic ß-Cell Function in Vitro and in Vivo.

The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2/angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7)/Mas axis of the renin-angiotensin system often opposes the detrimental effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme/Ang II/Ang II type 1 receptor axis and has been associated with beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis, whereas underlying mechanisms are mostly unknown. Here we investigate the effects of Ang-(1-7) and its receptor Mas on ß-cell function. Isolated islets from Mas-deficient and wild-type mice were stimulated with Ang-(1-7) or its antagonists and effects on insulin secretion determined. Islets' cytoplasmic calcium and cAMP concentrations, mRNA amounts of Ins1, Ins2, Pdx1, and Mafa and effects of inhibitors of cAMP downstream signaling were determined. Ang-(1-7) was also applied to mice by osmotic pumps for 14 days and effects on glucose tolerance and insulin secretion were assessed. Ang-(1-7) increased insulin secretion from wild-type islets, whereas antagonists and genetic Mas deficiency led to reduced insulin secretion. The Mas-dependent effects of Ang-(1-7) on insulin secretion did not result from changes in insulin gene expression or changes in the excitation-secretion coupling but from increased intracellular cAMP involving exchange protein activated directly by cAMP. Administration of Ang-(1-7) in vivo had only marginal effects on glucose tolerance in wild-type mice but still resulted in improved insulin secretion from islets isolated of these mice. Interestingly, although less pronounced than in wild types, Ang-(1-7) still affected insulin secretion in Mas-deficient islets. The data indicate a significant function of Ang-(1-7) in the regulation of insulin secretion from mouse islets in vitro and in vivo, mainly, but not exclusively, by Mas-dependent signaling, modulating the accessory pathway of insulin secretion via increase in cAMP.

Electrophysiology of islet cells.

Stimulus-Secretion Coupling (SSC) of pancreatic islet cells comprises electrical activity. Changes of the membrane potential (V(m)) are regulated by metabolism-dependent alterations in ion channel activity. This coupling is best explored in beta-cells. The effect of glucose is directly linked to mitochondrial metabolism as the ATP/ADP ratio determines the open probability of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels (K(ATP) channels). Nucleotide sensitivity and concentration in the direct vicinity of the channels are controlled by several factors including phospholipids, fatty acids, and kinases, e.g., creatine and adenylate kinase. Closure of K(ATP) channels leads to depolarization of beta-cells via a yet unknown depolarizing current. Ca(2+) influx during action potentials (APs) results in an increase of the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)) that triggers exocytosis. APs are elicited by the opening of voltage-dependent Na(+) and/or Ca(2+) channels and repolarized by voltage- and/or Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels. At a constant stimulatory glucose concentration APs are clustered in bursts that are interrupted by hyperpolarized interburst phases. Bursting electrical activity induces parallel fluctuations in [Ca(2+)](c) and insulin secretion. Bursts are terminated by I(Kslow) consisting of currents through Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels and K(ATP) channels. This review focuses on structure, characteristics, physiological function, and regulation of ion channels in beta-cells. Information about pharmacological drugs acting on K(ATP) channels, K(ATP) channelopathies, and influence of oxidative stress on K(ATP) channel function is provided. One focus is the outstanding significance of L-type Ca(2+) channels for insulin secretion. The role of less well characterized beta-cell channels including voltage-dependent Na(+) channels, volume sensitive anion channels (VSACs), transient receptor potential (TRP)-related channels, and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels is discussed. A model of beta-cell oscillations provides insight in the interplay of the different channels to induce and maintain electrical activity. Regulation of beta-cell electrical activity by hormones and the autonomous nervous system is discussed. alpha- and delta-cells are also equipped with K(ATP) channels, voltage-dependent Na(+), K(+), and Ca(2+) channels. Yet the SSC of these cells is less clear and is not necessarily dependent on K(ATP) channel closure. Different ion channels of alpha- and delta-cells are introduced and SSC in alpha-cells is described in special respect of paracrine effects of insulin and GABA secreted from beta-cells.

Suppression of KATP channel activity protects murine pancreatic beta cells against oxidative stress.

The enhanced oxidative stress associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus contributes to disease pathogenesis. We previously identified plasma membrane-associated ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels of pancreatic beta cells as targets for oxidants. Here, we examined the effects of genetic and pharmacologic ablation of KATP channels on loss of mouse beta cell function and viability following oxidative stress. Using mice lacking the sulfonylurea receptor type 1 (Sur1) subunit of KATP channels, we found that, compared with insulin secretion by WT islets, insulin secretion by Sur1-/- islets was less susceptible to oxidative stress induced by the oxidant H2O2. This was likely, at least in part, a result of the reduced ability of H2O2 to hyperpolarize plasma membrane potential and reduce cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) in the Sur1-/- beta cells. Remarkably, Sur1-/- beta cells were less prone to apoptosis induced by H2O2 or an NO donor than WT beta cells, despite an enhanced basal rate of apoptosis. This protective effect was attributed to upregulation of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. Upregulation of antioxidant enzymes and reduced sensitivity of Sur1-/- cells to H2O2-induced apoptosis were mimicked by treatment with the sulfonylureas tolbutamide and gliclazide. Enzyme upregulation and protection against oxidant-induced apoptosis were abrogated by agents lowering [Ca2+]c. Sur1-/- mice were less susceptible than WT mice to streptozotocin-induced beta cell destruction and subsequent hyperglycemia and death, which suggests that loss of KATP channel activity may protect against streptozotocin-induced diabetes in vivo.

ABCC8 and ABCC9: ABC transporters that regulate K+ channels.

The sulfonylurea receptors (SURs) ABCC8/SUR1 and ABCC9/SUR2 are members of the C-branch of the transport adenosine triphosphatase superfamily. Unlike their brethren, the SURs have no identified transport function; instead, evolution has matched these molecules with K(+) selective pores, either K(IR)6.1/KCNJ8 or K(IR)6.2/KCNJ11, to assemble adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K(+) channels found in endocrine cells, neurons, and both smooth and striated muscle. Adenine nucleotides, the major regulators of ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channel activity, exert a dual action. Nucleotide binding to the pore reduces the activity or channel open probability, whereas Mg-nucleotide binding and/or hydrolysis in the nucleotide-binding domains of SUR antagonize this inhibitory action to stimulate channel openings. Mutations in either subunit can alter this balance and, in the case of the SUR1/KIR6.2 channels found in neurons and insulin-secreting pancreatic beta cells, are the cause of monogenic forms of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia and neonatal diabetes. Additionally, the subtle dysregulation of K(ATP) channel activity by a K(IR)6.2 polymorphism has been suggested as a predisposing factor in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Studies on K(ATP) channel null mice are clarifying the roles of these metabolically sensitive channels in a variety of tissues.

Palmitate-induced Ca2+-signaling in pancreatic beta-cells.

Free fatty acids (FFA) have been proposed to participate in the regulation of insulin release from pancreatic beta-cells (beta-cells). As a rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca(2+)]i) is a key event for the stimulation of insulin secretion, the effects of saturated FFA on [Ca2+]i were investigated. Palmitate was used as a reference compound and [Ca2+]i was measured in single fura-2 loaded HIT-T15 and in primary mouse beta-cells. Stimulation of single beta-cells with palmitate (100 microM) caused either repetitive Ca2+ transients or a plateau-like rise in [Ca2+]i. In HIT-T15 and in mouse beta-cells, the number of palmitate-responsive cells, and the amplitude of the palmitate-induced Ca2+-signals were dependent on the extracellular glucose concentration. In Ca2+-free medium palmitate (100 microM) caused only 1 or 2 Ca2+ transients indicating mobilization of Ca2+ from internal stores. Withdrawal of external Ca2+, the addition of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel (VSCC) blockers, as well as the K(ATP)-channel opener diazoxide (100 microM) reversibly blocked the palmitate-induced cytosolic Ca2+ responses. This demonstrates that Ca2+ influx through VSCC of the L-type coupled to membrane depolarization through closure of K(ATP)-channels are crucial for a sustained Ca2+-signal in response to palmitate. Methyl palmoxirate (100 microM) and 2-bromopalmitate (100 microM), which both inhibit transport of acyl-CoA into the mitochondria, reversibly blocked the palmitate-induced Ca2+-signals in HIT-T15 as well as in primary mouse beta-cells. By contrast, cerulenin (100 microM), an inhibitor of protein acylation, had no effect on the palmitate-induced changes in [Ca2+]i, which suggests that mitochondrial palmitate metabolism is required for eliciting the Ca2+-signals. Simultaneous measurement of [Ca2+]i and the mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi) revealed palmitate-induced depolarization of DeltaPsi which demonstrates that palmitate does not enhance mitochondrial ATP production. Therefore mitochondrial signals other than ATP appear to be generated from palmitate metabolism that underly the palmitate-induced Ca2+-signals in pancreatic beta-cells.

Phosphocreatine as a determinant of K(ATP) channel activity in pancreatic beta-cells.

The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that a creatine kinase/phosphocreatine system is involved in the regulation of K(ATP) channels in pancreatic beta-cells. The phosphocreatine concentration in isolated mouse islets clearly increased in parallel with the ATP/ADP ratio in response to a rise of the glucose concentration from 0.5 mM to 15 mM. The currents through K(ATP) channels expressed in oocytes of Xenopus laevis were inhibited by injection of phosphocreatine or ATP but not by phosphate or creatine alone. In inside-out patches of beta-cell membranes obtained from native beta-cells, phosphocreatine reduced the open probability of single K(ATP) channels in the presence of ADP but not in the absence of the nucleotide. These experiments suggest the existence of a K(ATP) channel-associated creatine kinase that phosphorylates ADP. The creatine kinase inhibitor iodoacetamide suppressed the glucose-induced oscillations of the cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration, [Ca(2+)](c). It is concluded that phosphocreatine serves as a shuttle for energy-rich phosphate from the mitochondria to the plasma membrane. The data provide a novel model for signal transduction to K(ATP) channels in pancreatic beta-cells.

Methyl pyruvate stimulates pancreatic beta-cells by a direct effect on KATP channels, and not as a mitochondrial substrate.

In pancreatic beta-cells, methyl pyruvate is a potent secretagogue and is widely used to study stimulus-secretion coupling. In contrast with pyruvate, which barely stimulates insulin secretion, methyl pyruvate was suggested to act as an effective mitochondrial substrate. We show that methyl pyruvate elicited electrical activity in the presence of 0.5 mM glucose, in contrast with pyruvate. Accordingly, methyl pyruvate increased the cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration after an initial decrease, similar to glucose. The initial decrease was inhibited by thapsigargin, suggesting that methyl pyruvate stimulates ATP production. This assumption is supported by the observation that methyl pyruvate hyperpolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential, similar to glucose. However, in contrast with glucose, methyl pyruvate even slightly decreased NAD(P)H autofluorescence and did not influence ATP production or the ATP/ADP ratio. This observation questions the suggestion that methyl pyruvate acts as a powerful mitochondrial substrate. The finding that methyl pyruvate directly inhibited a cation current across the inner membrane of Jurkat T-lymphocyte mitochondria suggests that this metabolite may increase ATP production in beta-cells by activating the respiratory chains without providing reduction equivalents. We conclude that this mechanism may account for a slight and transient increase in ATP production. We further show that methyl pyruvate inhibited the K(ATP) current measured in the standard whole-cell configuration, an effect that was at least partly antagonized by diazoxide. Accordingly, single-channel currents in inside-out patches were blocked by methyl pyruvate. We conclude that inhibition of K(ATP) channels, and not activation of metabolism, mediates the induction of electrical activity in pancreatic beta-cells by methyl pyruvate.