Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
09:36
Isolated Pancreatic Islet Treatment and Apoptosis Measurement
Published on: May 2, 2025
[Hydrogen sulfide and its effect on pancreatic beta-cells]
Mitsuhiro Okamoto1, Mami Yamaoka, Toshihide Kimura
1Department of Pharmacology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine.
Summary
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) protects pancreatic beta-cells from high glucose damage. Understanding H2S production in diabetes may reveal new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) acts as a crucial signaling molecule in mammalian systems, influencing neuroprotection, neuromodulation, cardioprotection, and inflammation.
- In pancreatic beta-cells, H2S is synthesized by cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE), modulating insulin release and beta-cell survival.
Purpose:
- To investigate the role and production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in pancreatic beta-cells, particularly under conditions relevant to diabetes mellitus.
- To determine the impact of glucose stimulation on CSE expression and the protective effects of H2S on beta-cells exposed to chronic high glucose.
Summary:
- Glucose stimulation enhances cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) expression in mouse pancreatic islets.
- Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) demonstrates a protective role for beta-cells subjected to prolonged high glucose exposure.
- H2S production and its cytoprotective mechanisms in beta-cells are critical for understanding diabetes pathogenesis.
Impact:
- Elucidating H2S mechanisms in beta-cells offers potential for novel therapeutic strategies targeting diabetes mellitus.
- This research highlights the dual role of H2S as a toxic gas and a vital endogenous signaling molecule in metabolic health.
- Insights into H2S regulation of beta-cell mass may provide new avenues for managing diabetes progression.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
The pancreatic islets comprising only 1%-2% of the volume are highly vascularized and innervated mini-organs. They contain five endocrine cell types, including β cells that secrete insulin, which is synthesized as a single polypeptide chain, preproinsulin, processed to proinsulin, and finally to insulin and C-peptide. This process is complex and regulated, involving the Golgi complex, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the secretory granules of the β cell.
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
01:05Insulin Secretory Vesicles
Insulin secretory vesicles release insulin to stimulate blood glucose uptake and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. When the blood glucose levels increase, glucose enters the pancreatic β-islet cells through glucose transporters. Once inside, glucose is metabolized through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. This increase in ATP concentration closes ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to depolarization of the membrane and the opening of...
01:16Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
Insulin is released by beta cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are high. It facilitates glucose absorption and utilization in insulin-dependent cells with insulin receptors on their plasma membranes. Insulin promotes glucose uptake by increasing the number of glucose transport proteins in the cell membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell. As a result, glucose utilization and ATP production are enhanced.
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
01:25Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of pancreatic β-cells synthesizes preproinsulin, which consists of a signal peptide, A and B chains, and a C-peptide. Preproinsulin is then cleaved and folded into proinsulin, which translocates to the Golgi apparatus for sorting and packaging into secretory granules. In these granules, enzymatic clipping generates insulin and C-peptide.
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
01:16Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas
The pancreas, a vital organ within the abdominal cavity, plays dual roles in the digestive and endocrine systems, collaborating with exocrine and endocrine cells to maintain optimal digestion and blood sugar levels.
Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...
Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...
01:26Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...