Ca2+-activated ATPase and ATP-dependent calmodulin-stimulated Ca2+ transport in islet cell plasma membrane

Calcium is known to play an essential part in the regulation of insulin secretion in the pancreatic beta cell. Calcium influx/efflux studies indicate that glucose promotes an accumulation of calcium by the beta cell. However, interpretation of such data is particularly difficult due to the complex compartmentalization of calcium within the cell. Although indirect evidence using chlorotetracycline suggests that control of calcium homeostasis at the plasma membrane may be central to insulin secretion, the mechanism by which secretagogues influence the handling of calcium remains unknown. Despite its continuous diffusive entry, intracellular calcium is maintained in the submicromolar range by energy-dependent mechanisms. One such process which has been well characterized in erythrocytes is a plasma membrane calcium extrusion pump whose enzymatic basis is a high affinity (Ca+2 + Mg+2)ATPase. A similar mechanism regulated by insulin has recently been identified in adipocyte plasma membranes. We report here the presence of a high affinity (Ca+2 + Mg+2)ATPase and ATP-dependent calmodulin-stimulated calcium transport system in rat pancreatic islet cell plasma membranes.