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Preparation of Pancreatic Acinar Cells for the Purpose of Calcium Imaging, Cell Injury Measurements, and Adenoviral Infection
Published on: July 5, 2013
Calcium-magnesium interactions in pancreatic acinar cells
1Department of Medicine B, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany.
Summary
Magnesium (Mg2+) levels decrease during pancreatic acinar cell stimulation, impacting calcium (Ca2+) signaling. This study reveals Mg2+ movements and potential endoplasmic reticulum stores, clarifying its role in pancreatic cell function.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The role of calcium (Ca2+) in exocrine pancreas signaling is well-defined.
- The function of magnesium (Mg2+) in pancreatic acinar cells remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate intracellular Mg2+ distribution in mouse pancreatic acinar cells during hormone stimulation.
- To elucidate the role of Mg2+ in modulating Ca2+ signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Utilized microspectrofluorometry and digital imaging with Ca2+- and Mg2+-sensitive fluorescent dyes.
- Employed Mg2+-sensitive intracellular microelectrodes for precise measurements.
- Studied isolated mouse pancreatic acinar cells stimulated with cholecystokinin (CCK).
Main Results:
- Increased intracellular Mg2+ inhibited cholecystokinin (CCK)-induced Ca2+ influx and oscillations.
- Hormone stimulation caused a reversible decrease in intracellular Mg2+ ([Mg2+]i), independent of electrochemical gradients.
- CCK-induced [Mg2+]i decrease originated from the basolateral side, near the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), moving apically, antiparallel to Ca2+ waves.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first characterization of intracellular Mg2+ movements in the exocrine pancreas.
- Results suggest the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as a potential intracellular Mg2+ store.
- Intracellular Mg2+ dynamics significantly influence pancreatic acinar cell Ca2+ signaling and function.
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