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GABA in pancreatic islets.

H Taniguchi, Y Okada, C Shimada

    Archivum Histologicum Japonicum = Nihon Soshikigaku Kiroku
    |January 1, 1977
    PubMed
    Summary
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    High concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity were found in rat pancreatic islets, comparable to the central nervous system. GABA was negligible in B cells after streptozotocin treatment.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Endocrinology
    • Cell Biology

    Background:

    • Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS).
    • The presence and function of GABA in peripheral tissues, such as the pancreas, are less understood.
    • Pancreatic islet cells, particularly B cells, have been investigated for potential neurotransmitter roles.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To quantify GABA concentration and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity in rat pancreatic islets.
    • To investigate the role of GABA in pancreatic B cells and insulin release.
    • To compare GABA levels and GAD activity in pancreatic islets with those in the CNS.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized a novel assay combining the GABase system with enzymatic NADP-NADPH cycling to measure GABA and GAD activity.

    Related Experiment Videos

  • Analyzed pancreatic islets from control rats, insulinoma-bearing rats, and streptozotocin-treated rats.
  • Assessed the effect of exogenous GABA on glucose- and amino acid-induced insulin release.
  • Measured the uptake of 3H-GABA into pancreatic islets and brain tissue.

    • Main Results:

    • Rat pancreatic islets exhibit high GABA concentrations and GAD activity, comparable to CNS levels.
    • Insulinomas, rich in B cells, showed elevated GABA and GAD activity.
    • GABA levels were negligible in pancreatic islets of rats treated with streptozotocin, which targets B cells.
    • Exogenous GABA did not affect glucose- or amino acid-stimulated insulin release.
    • 3H-GABA uptake in pancreatic islets was significantly lower than in brain tissues like the substantia nigra.

    Conclusions:

    • Pancreatic B cells contain significant levels of GABA and the synthesizing enzyme GAD, suggesting a potential role in islet function.
    • The findings support the paraneuron theory, proposing islet cells function similarly to neurons.
    • Differential GABA compartmentation exists between pancreatic islets and the CNS, indicating distinct regulatory mechanisms.