Selective effects of secretagogues on insulin secretion: a mathematical model

A mathematical model of the secretion of insulin from pancreatic islets of Langerhans is proposed. Previously proposed mathematical models of insulin secretion have dealt solely with glucose-stimulated release, and not with the more complex patterns of secretion (such as "off-responses") in response to other secretagogues or combinations of secretagogues. We conclude that an off-response is consistent with a compartmental model; and the facilitating effect of a constant concentration of glucose on leucine-stimulated insulin secretion is consistent with a selective effect of glucose on a single compartment of the model.