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Nitric oxide, superoxide, and peroxynitrite effects on the insulin secretion and viability of betaTC3 cells

M Kavdia1, J L Stanfield, R S Lewis

  • 1School of Chemical Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078, USA.

Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|January 25, 2000
PubMed

Insights

This study found that nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O2) do not impact pancreatic cell insulin secretion. Even at high concentrations, these reactive species did not affect betaTC3 cell insulin release in short-term experiments.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Macrophages infiltrate pancreatic cells during insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) onset.
  • Activated macrophages release nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O2), which can be cytotoxic.
  • Previous studies on NO's effects on pancreatic cells yielded conflicting results due to experimental limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of controlled nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O2) exposure on pancreatic beta-cell function.
  • To eliminate confounding factors like unsteady NO concentrations and co-generated reactive species in experimental models.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a modified experimental system for precise NO and O2 delivery via gas-permeable tubes and enzymatic reactions.
  • Established steady-state concentrations of NO and O2, avoiding fluctuating exposures.
  • Utilized reaction kinetics to model and predict concentrations of NO, O2, and peroxynitrite (ONOO-).

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated that NO, O2, and ONOO- at predicted concentrations (up to 2.8 microM, 0.25 microM, and 0.1 nM, respectively) did not alter insulin secretion rates.
  • Showed no short-term cytotoxic effects of these reactive species on betaTC3 pancreatic cells.

Conclusions:

  • Controlled, steady-state exposure to NO, O2, and ONOO- does not inhibit insulin secretion from betaTC3 cells.
  • The experimental system effectively isolated the effects of NO and O2, providing reliable data on their impact on pancreatic cell function.

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