Beta cells preferentially exchange cationic molecules via connexin 36 gap junction channels

• Published in: Diabetologia Vol. 50; no. 11; pp. 2332 - 2341
• Main Authors: Charpantier, E, Cancela, J, Meda, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Berlin/Heidelberg : Springer-Verlag 01.11.2007; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Beta cells; Biological and medical sciences; Ca; Cations; Cations - metabolism; Cell coupling; Cell interactions; Coloring Agents; Communication; Connexin 36; connexins; Connexins - physiology; Diabetes. Impaired glucose tolerance; Endocrine pancreas. Apud cells (diseases); Endocrinopathies; Etiopathogenesis. Screening. Investigations. Target tissue resistance; Gap Junction delta-2 Protein; gap junctions; Gap Junctions - physiology; Glibenclamide; Glucose; HeLa Cells; Humans; Insulin; Insulin secretion; Insulin-Secreting Cells - physiology; Intercellular communication; Ionic exchanges; islets of Langerhans; Islets of Langerhans - physiology; Kinetics; Medical sciences; Metabolism; Molecular exchanges; Pancreas; Secretion; Signalling; Synchronisation; Transgenic animals; Transgenic mice; France; Canada; United States > US; Endocrinopathy; Molecular exchanges; Calcium; Diabetes mellitus; Gap junctions; Langerhans islet; Cell junction; Cell coupling; Signalling; Inorganic element; Gap junction; Ionic exchanges; Connexin; Ca2; Islet cells; Connexins; β Cell; Synchronisation; Intercellular communication; Endocrine pancreas

Aims/hypothesis Pancreatic beta cells are connected by gap junction channels made of connexin 36 (Cx36), which permit intercellular exchanges of current-carrying ions (ionic coupling) and other molecules (metabolic coupling). Previous studies have suggested that ionic coupling may extend to larger r...