Altered β-Cell Calcium Dynamics via Electric Field Exposure

Electric field stimulation has long been investigated with results supporting its therapeutic potential; however, its effects on insulin secreting cells has yet to be fully elucidated. Herein we explored the effects of physiological direct current (DC) electric field stimulation on the intracellular calcium dynamics of mouse derived βTC-6 insulinoma cells. This electrical stimulation resulted in an elevation in intracellular calcium along with a rise in calcium spiking activity. Further investigation indicated that the rise in intracellular calcium was mediated by an influx of calcium via L-type voltage gated calcium channels. Additionally, the effects of the electric field stimulation were able to induce insulin secretion in the absence of glucose stimulation. Given these results, DC electric field stimulation could be used as a non-invasive tool to modulate intracellular calcium dynamics and insulin secretion of β-cells for therapeutic application.