Synthesis-secretion coupling of insulin. Effect of cyclosporin

This study investigated the effects of cyclosporin (Cs) on insulin secretion and synthesis from the endocrine pancreas. With in vitro perfused pancreases from control and Cs-treated rats (1, 5, 10, or 25 mg.kg-1.day-1 for 2 wk), a dose-response relationship between Cs dose and inhibition of insulin secretion was demonstrated. Examination of the dynamic secretory response to a glucose stimulus (200 mg/dl) over a 3-h perfusion revealed an inhibition of all three secretory phases. Similarly, the ability of the pancreases to synthesize insulin decreased as a function of Cs dose. Reversibility of Cs toxicity on the pancreas was established by 2 wk after cessation of treatment. To evaluate the effect of Cs treatment in vivo, intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed. Rats treated with 25 mg.kg-1.day-1 Cs for 2 wk had significantly lower k values (slope of log glucose concentration over time) than controls. At 10 mg.kg-1.day-1, although curves that appeared abnormal were observed, k values were not significantly different from those of controls. In summary, this study demonstrates the profound inhibitory effect of Cs on the endocrine pancreas.