Large dense-core vesicle exocytosis in pancreatic β-cells monitored by capacitance measurements

• Published in: Methods (San Diego, Calif.) Vol. 33; no. 4; pp. 302 - 311
• Main Authors: Kanno, Takahiro, Ma, Xiasong, Barg, Sebastian, Eliasson, Lena, Galvanovskis, Juris, Göpel, Sven, Larsson, Max, Renström, Erik, Rorsman, Patrik
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.08.2004
• Subjects: Animals; Clinical Medicine; Cytoplasmic Granules - secretion; Cytoplasmic Granules - ultrastructure; Endocrinology and Diabetes; Endokrinologi och diabetes; Exocytosis - physiology; Islets of Langerhans - secretion; Klinisk medicin; Medical and Health Sciences; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Synaptic Vesicles - secretion
• ISSN: 1046-2023; 1095-9130; 1095-9130
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2004.01.003

This article discusses the currently used methodologies for monitoring exocytosis as changes in cell capacitance. Details are given on composition of solutions, experimental protocols, and how the observed responses can be interpreted physiologically. The concepts are illustrated by examples from our own work on insulin-releasing pancreatic β-cells. Finally, we consider the feasibility of applying capacitance measurements to endocrine cells in intact pancreatic islets, where the cells are electrically coupled to each other.