Rat amylin: cloning and tissue-specific expression in pancreatic islets

Islet amyloid polypeptide: a review of its biology and potential roles in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus

Islet amyloidosis (IA) is the principal lesion in the endocrine pancreas of human beings with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and in the similar forms of diabetes mellitus in domestic cats and macaques. As such, the delineation of the pathogenesis of this form of amyloidosis may be crucial to the understanding of the development and progression of NIDDM. Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is a recently discovered polypeptide that is the principal constituent of IA in human beings, cats, and macaques. IAPP is produced by the pancreatic beta-cells and is co-packaged with insulin in the beta-cell secretory vesicles. Immunohistochemical and physiologic evidence supports the notion that the beta-cells are heterogenous with respect to their relative contents of insulin and IAPP. Therefore, although IAPP is co-secreted with insulin in response to a variety of well-known insulin secretagogues, the molar ratio of these two proteins that is released from the islets may vary, depending upon the glucose concentration and prevailing metabolic milieu. IAPP is highly conserved among mammalian species and has about 45% homology to another neuropeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide. IAPP is encoded by a single-copy gene located, in the human being, on chromosome 12. IAPP is expressed as a 93 (murine)-89 (human)-amino acid prepropolypeptide that is processed enzymatically, resulting in the removal of amino- and carboxy-terminal propeptide segments. The 20-29 region of the IAPP molecule is most important in the ability of IAPP to form amyloid fibrils. The role of IAPP and IA in the pathogenesis of human NIDDM and similar forms of diabetes mellitus in cats and macaques may involve several possible mechanisms, including 1) direct physical/chemical damage to beta-cells, resulting in necrosis and loss of functional islet tissue, 2) biologic activities of IAPP that oppose those of insulin or abnormally suppress insulin secretion, and 3) interference by IA deposits of passage of insulin out of beta-cells and/or entrance of glucose and other secretogogues into the islet. The roles of each of these possible mechanisms have yet to be demonstrated. In addition, the physiological significance of the apparent IAPP deficiency in both insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and NIDDM is currently unknown.

Immunoreactivity and expression of amylin in gastroenteropancreatic endocrine tumors

Amylin was isolated from human insulinomas, but there has been only preliminary data regarding whether this peptide can also be detected in other types of gastroenteropancreatic endocrine tumors. In the present study, immunohistochemical staining of 87 gastroenteropancreatic endocrine tumors demonstrated amylin immunoreactivity in 21.8% of the neoplasmas. Thirteen of 15 insulinomas, three of 21 gastrinomas, two of 29 nonfunctioning tumors, and one of 18 carcinoids were amylin-immunoreactive. Seventeen of the 19 amylin-immunoreactive tumors were primarily located in the pancreas, but two tumors were found in the intestine. Measurements of amylin messenger RNA expression in a few tumors revealed amylin synthesis in these tumors. Amylin immunoreactivity did not correlate with invasion and metastasis. However, the rate of curative resections was significantly higher in amylin-immunoreactive tumors. These results demonstrate for the first time that amylin immunoreactivity is not restricted to insulinomas and can also occur rarely in endocrine tumors of the intestine.

A mnemonical or negative-co-operativity model for the activation of adenylate cyclase by a common G-protein-coupled calcitonin-gene-related neuropeptide (CGRP)/amylin receptor

Both amylin and calcitonin-gene-related neuropeptide (CGRP) activated adenylate cyclase activity in hepatocyte membranes around 5-fold in a dose-dependent fashion, with EC50 values of 120 +/- 14 and 0.3 +/- 0.14 nM respectively. Whereas amylin exhibited normal activation kinetics (Hill coefficient, h approximately 1), CGRP showed kinetics indicative of either multiple sites/receptor species having different affinities for this ligand or a single receptor species exhibiting apparent negative co-operativity (h approximately 0.21). The CGRP antagonist CGRP-(8-37)-peptide inhibited adenylate cyclase stimulated by EC50 concentrations of either amylin or CGRP. Inhibition by CGRP-(8-37) was selective in that markedly lower concentrations were required to block the action of amylin (IC50 = 3 +/- 1 nM) compared with that of CGRP itself (IC50 = 120 +/- 11 nM). Dose-effect data for inhibition of CGRP action by CGRP-(8-37) showed normal saturation kinetics (h approximately 1), whereas CGRP-(8-37) inhibited amylin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in a fashion which was indicative of either multiple sites or apparent negative co-operativity (h approximately 0.24). Observed changes in the kinetics of inhibition by CGRP-(8-37) of CGRP, but not amylin-stimulated adenylate cyclase, at concentrations of agonists below their EC50 values militated against a model of two distinct populations of non-interacting receptors each able to bind both amylin and CGRP. A kinetic model is proposed whereby a single receptor, capable of being activated by both CGRP and amylin, obeys either a mnemonical kinetic mechanism or one of negative co-operativity with respect to CGRP but not to amylin. The relative merits of these two models are discussed together with a proposal suggesting that the activation of adenylate cyclase by various G-protein-linked receptors may be described by a mnemonical model mechanism.

Human islet amyloid polypeptide transgenic mice as a model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)

To model islet amyloidogenesis in NIDDM and explore the glucoregulatory role of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), we have created transgenic mice containing a rat insulin-I promoter-human IAPP fusion gene. Expression of human IAPP was localized to the islets of Langerhans, anterior pituitary and brain in transgenic animals; blood IAPP levels were elevated 5-fold while fasting glucose levels remained normal. Amyloid deposits have not been detected in transgenic islets suggesting that other co-existing abnormalities in NIDDM may be required for the formation of islet amyloid. These animals provide a unique model for exploring this hypothesis and other proposed functions of IAPP.

Islet amyloid polypeptide in the rabbit and European hare: studies on its relationship to amyloidogenesis

In this study, we determined the cDNA-predicted amino acid sequence of positions 9-31 of islet amyloid polypeptide from the rabbit and European hare. A synthetic rabbit/hare islet amyloid polypeptide 20-29 peptide was subsequently shown to be strongly fibrillogenic in vitro even though the putative amyloidogenic AILS sequence at positions 25-28 of human and cat islet amyloid polypeptide is modified in the rabbit and hare by a substitution of phenylalanine for leucine at position 27 (i.e. AIFS). Although islet amyloid polypeptide of both the rabbit and hare has an amyloidogenic sequence and is in fact amyloidogenic in vitro, the apparent lack of in vivo islet amyloidosis in rabbits and hares may be related to relatively low levels of islet amyloid polypeptide production by the islet beta cells in these species. This was supported by our findings that there is no substantial immunoreactivity in either rabbit or hare islets, and no measurable amount either in extracts of rabbit pancreases, or in rabbit plasma. This study supports the need for at least two prerequisites for the development of islet amyloidosis in vivo: an inherent fibrillogenic sequence within the islet amyloid polypeptide molecule and an adequate local concentration of islet amyloid polypeptide to promote self aggregation and formation of islet amyloid.

Differential expression of rat pancreatic islet beta-cell glucose transporter (GLUT 2), proinsulin and islet amyloid polypeptide genes after prolonged fasting, insulin-induced hypoglycaemia and dexamethasone treatment

The question posed by these studies was whether chronic adaptive changes in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion are accompanied by comparable changes in islet Beta-cell glucose transporter (GLUT 2) gene expression. Control, fasted (3-day), insulin-injected hypoglycaemic (5-day), and dexamethasone-treated (4-day) rats (n = 5 for each condition), were studied. After fasting significant decrements in proinsulin mRNA/microgram RNA (-32%, p < 0.05) and islet amyloid polypeptide mRNA/microgram RNA (-44%, p < 0.05) were observed, while there was no change in GLUT 2 mRNA/microgram RNA (-13%, p > 0.05). After insulin-induced hypoglycaemia, decrements in proinsulin mRNA/microgram RNA (-49%, p < 0.01) and islet amyloid polypeptide mRNA/microgram RNA (-44%, p < 0.01) were also observed, with no change in islet GLUT 2 mRNA/microgram RNA (-18%, p > 0.05). Dexamethasone treatment resulted in a marked stimulatory effect on proinsulin mRNA/microgram RNA (+236%, p < 0.001) and islet amyloid polypeptide mRNA/microgram RNA (+221%, p < 0.01), while again there was no change in islet GLUT 2 mRNA/microgram RNA (+0.3%, p > 0.05). Quantitative immunoblot analysis with a GLUT 2 specific antibody revealed no change in islet GLUT 2 protein with fasting, but a small decrease (-39 +/- 11%) in islet GLUT 2/microgram protein after insulin-induced hypoglycaemia. These results do not support the hypothesis that chronic changes in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion are accompanied by changes in GLUT 2 expression. In contrast to the lack of correlation with GLUT 2, there was a striking correlation between proinsulin and islet amyloid polypeptide mRNAs for all experimental conditions (r = 0.974, p < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mechanism of action of amylin in bone

Amylin is a 37 amino acid peptide produced mainly by beta-cells of the endocrine pancreas. Human amylin has 43% homology with human calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and 13% homology with human calcitonin (CT). Amylin and CGRP have been reported to have CT-like hypocalcemic activity in vivo. To investigate the role of amylin in bone, we examined the mechanisms of action of human amylin, CGRP, and CT in osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Both human amylin and CGRP inhibited 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha,25(OH)2D3]- induced bone resorption in an organ culture system, and the potencies of the two peptides were similarly approximately 60-fold lower than that of human CT. Using a recently developed procedure for preparing large numbers of osteoclast-like multinucleated cells (MNCs) formed in co-cultures of mouse osteoblasts and bone marrow cells in the presence of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3, we found that both human amylin and CGRP stimulated cAMP production in osteoclast-like MNCs, but only at 60-fold higher concentrations than human CT. Specific binding of [125I]-human CT to osteoclast-like MNCs was detected (dissociation constant, 3 x 10(-8) M; binding sites, 3 x 10(7) per cell). To displace the bound [125I]-human CT from osteoclast-like MNCs, about 170-fold higher concentrations of human amylin and CGRP were required. No specific bindings of [125I]-amylin and [125I]-CGRP to osteoclast-like MNCs could be detected. Human CGRP stimulated cAMP production both in established mouse osteoblast-like cells (KS-4) and in mouse primary osteoblast-like cells. Amylin was a weak agonist for cAMP production in KS-4 cells. The increment in cAMP production induced by CGRP and amylin was abolished by the addition of human CGRP(8-37), a selective antagonist for CGRP receptors. CT did not stimulate cAMP production in KS-4 cells. Amylin, but not CT, displaced the bound [125I]-human CGRP from rat brain membranes. These results indicate that amylin binds not only to CT receptors in osteoclast-like MNCs but also to CGRP receptors in osteoblasts. The relative potencies of these compounds to induce cAMP production was CT greater than amylin not equal to CGRP in osteoclast-like MNCs and CGRP greater amylin much greater than CT in osteoblast-like cells.

Immunochemical investigation of insulinomas for islet amyloid polypeptide and insulin: evidence for differential synthesis and storage

An affinity purified antibody to fragment 14-29 of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) has been prepared. This antibody, which does not cross-react with the related molecule calcitonin gene-related peptide, was used to investigate immunochemically the presence of IAPP in normal and neoplastic human pancreatic endocrine tissue. The pattern of IAPP staining in normal pancreas mirrors that of insulin, although slight differences were observed. In neoplastic tissue, IAPP was found in 16 out of 19 tumours that were positive for insulin, and was absent from one tumour negative for insulin. In some cases there were differences in the staining patterns of IAPP and insulin. These results suggest that the synthesis and secretion of IAPP and insulin are not inter-dependent and support the concept that IAPP has a discrete biological function. Islet amyloid polypeptide was found in six out of six insulinoma amyloid deposits, suggesting that the peptide is an invariable component of these deposits. Over-expression of IAPP, with aberrant processing and/or secretion, may be the causative factor for amyloid deposition in insulinomas and in the islets of type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetic patients. Investigation of patients with insulinomas and of insulin cells in culture and tissue sections may help to clarify the biological function of IAPP.

Effects of islet amyloid polypeptide on hepatic insulin resistance and glucose production in the isolated perfused rat liver

The impact of (pancreatic) islet amyloid polypeptide on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity was examined in isolated rat livers perfused in a non-recirculating system. Continuous infusion of 10(-7) mol/l islet amyloid polypeptide affected neither basal nor glucagon (10(-9) mol/l)-stimulated glucose output by livers from fed rats, but it did increase the hepatic cyclic AMP release within 44 min (7.91 +/- 12.07 vs control: 0.07 +/- 0.03 pmol x 100 g body weight-1). The effect of the peptide on the ability of insulin to inhibit glucagon-induced hepatic glycogenolysis was measured in three experimental groups (n = 6). As expected glucagon (7 x 10(-11) mol/l) increased integral hepatic glucose release within 84 min (763.4 +/- 161.7 vs -25.7 +/- 73.2 mumol x 100 g body weight-1 in the control group, p less than 0.001), while insulin (100 mU/l) decreased the glucagon-stimulated glucose production (395.2 +/- 180.0 mumol x 100 g body weight-1, p less than 0.01). Simultaneous infusion of 10(-7) mol/l islet amyloid polypeptide however, was not able to reverse insulin-dependent inhibition of glucagon-stimulated hepatic glucose output (370.0 +/- 102.5 mumol x 100 g body weight-1, NS) or to enhance lactate-induced gluconeogenesis of livers from 24 h fasted rats (n = 8). The glucose production stimulated by 10(-9) mol/l glucagon was slightly greater in islet amyloid polypeptide-pre-treated livers than in a control group without addition of islet amyloid polypeptide (5 min: 3.60 +/- 3.36 vs 1.67 +/- 1.28 mumol.min-1 x 100 g body weight-1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Feedback inhibition of insulin gene expression by insulin

To examine the possible involvement of insulin and glucose in regulation of pancreatic islet gene expression, hyperinsulinemic (insulin infusion 4.1 mU/kg per min) clamps were performed for 12 h in rats at two different levels of glycemia (either 3 or 8 mM). A control group received a saline infusion for 12 h. At the end of the 12-h study period, pancreatic RNA was extracted, proinsulin and amylin mRNAs were measured on total RNA, and glucokinase and glucose transporter (GLUT-2) mRNAs were measured on poly(A)+ RNA by dot blot analysis. In insulin-infused hypoglycemic rats, there was a 58% decrement in proinsulin mRNA (P less than 0.01) relative to levels in controls, with no change in amylin, glucokinase, or islet GLUT-2 mRNAs. In insulin-infused hyperglycemic rats, there was a comparable decrement (44%, P less than 0.01) in proinsulin mRNA and a smaller decrement in GLUT-2 mRNA (32%, P less than 0.05), with no change in amylin or glucokinase mRNAs relative to levels in control animals. These studies suggest that insulin has a negative feedback inhibitory effect on its own synthesis. The mechanism of inhibition is unknown. It could be a direct effect of insulin on its own transcription, or alternatively an indirect effect mediated by humoral or neural factors. Sustained hyperinsulinemia may lead to suppression of normal islet beta cells and may contribute to the ultimate hypoinsulinemia of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is synthesized in the islets of Langerhans. Detection of IAPP polypeptide and IAPP mRNA by combined in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in rat pancreas

We investigated the localization of IAPP mRNA by means of in situ hybridization in tissue sections of rat pancreas. A 35S-labeled, IAPP-specific DNA probe--hybridized specifically in the islets of Langerhans. This localization was confirmed by immunohistochemical localization of insulin and IAPP polypeptides on adjacent tissue sections. Moreover, combined in situ hybridization of IAPP mRNA and immunohistochemistry of insulin and IAPP polypeptide on the same section, using insulin as specific marker shows the presence of IAPP mRNA in the islets of Langerhans.

8-37h-CGRP antagonizes actions of amylin on carbohydrate metabolism in vitro and in vivo

8-37hCGRP is a potent antagonist at calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) liver membrane receptors; it also blocks vasodilator actions of CGRP and the related peptide, amylin, in intact rats. We now report that 8-37hCGRP antagonizes amylin inhibition of insulin-stimulated labelled glucose uptake into isolated rat soleus muscle, and inhibits amylin-evoked elevation of plasma lactate and glucose in fasted anaesthetized rats. The different relative potencies of the 3 ligands (amylin, CGRP, 8-37hCGRP) on the liver receptor and on the soleus muscle point to distinct CGRP receptors in liver membranes and amylin receptors on muscle cells.

Anti-insulin effects of amylin and calcitonin-gene-related peptide on hepatic glycogen metabolism

To evaluate the effects of amylin and calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) as anti-insulin agents in hepatic tissue, we have studied whether these two agents counteracted the action of insulin on glycogen metabolism in isolated rat hepatocytes. In this system insulin stimulates [14C]glucose incorporation into glycogen and activates glycogen synthase. Incubation of the cells with insulin in the presence of amylin or CGRP markedly blocked the insulin stimulation of these two parameters, whereas amylin or CGRP acting alone did not induce any effect. We also examined the ability of amylin and CGRP to modify the anti-glucagon effects of insulin. In the presence of 100 nM-amylin or -CGRP, 10 nM-insulin was almost unable to counteract the inactivation of glycogen synthase and the activation of phosphorylase induced by glucagon. In contrast, neither amylin nor CGRP modified the effect of glucagon on these two enzymes. Our results indicate that amylin and CGRP are able to impair the action of insulin on hepatic glycogen metabolism.

Amylin activates glycogen phosphorylase in the isolated soleus muscle of the rat

The pancreatic beta-cell hormone amylin acts in isolated rat skeletal muscle to decrease insulin-stimulated incorporation of glucose into glycogen. It also increases blood levels of lactate and glucose in fasted rats in vivo. However, it remained uncertain whether amylin exerts direct effects to stimulate muscle glycogenolysis. We now report that amylin caused a dose-dependent increase in activity of muscle glycogen phosphorylase in isolated rat soleus muscle by stimulating phosphorylase a. Insulin inhibited amylin-stimulated activation of phosphorylase. Effects of amylin to stimulate muscle glycogenolysis are consistent with observed effects of amylin in vivo and could be a major mechanism whereby amylin modulates carbohydrate metabolism.

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). A short review

The islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) was originally identified by chemical analysis of the amyloid component in a human pancreatic islet cell tumor. It consists of 37 amino acids and displays about 50% homology with the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). In the pancreatic islets the IAPP is confined to the beta-cells, co-stored with insulin in the secretory granules and apparently co-secreted with insulin on glucose stimulation. In beta-cell depletion states such as streptozotocin diabetes in animals and in human type I diabetes mellitus both the IAPP and the insulin levels display reduction or are even absent. Within the mature IAPP molecule the amino acid sequence 23-29 shows considerable amino acid heterogenicity among various mammalian species. The amino acid composition of human IAPP in this specific region promotes the development of pancreatic islet amyloidosis, a phenomenon related to the ability to develop type II diabetes in that particular species. However, as type II diabetes is an inherited disease affecting a subpopulation of humans, not only the gene coding mature IAPP, but also one or several other hereditary factors of unknown origin are needed for the disease to develop. We have established a radioimmunoassay for plasma measurements of IAPP. During screening investigations of a large material of endocrine tumors we found a patient with extremely elevated plasma levels of IAPP, about 20,000 pmol/l. Immunohistochemical investigations confirmed the IAPP content and also revealed amyloid deposits. While performing an oral glucose tolerance test insulin levels remained unchanged whereas there was an increase in the glucose and IAPP levels. It is thus concluded that IAPP can be used as a tumor marker in pancreatic islet cell tumors and that high plasma levels of IAPP can inhibit glucose stimulated insulin secretion.

The human islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) gene. Organization, chromosomal localization and functional identification of a promoter region

We report the isolation and characterization of the human gene encoding islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). Previously characterized cDNA sequences correspond to three exons of which the first is noncoding. A functional promoter region was identified in the 5' flanking DNA; however, this was farther upstream than expected. Northern blot analysis of human insulinoma RNA revealed three IAPP mRNAs of sizes 1.2, 1.8 and 2.1 kb, in agreement with three polyadenylation signals present in the 3' end of the gene. In situ hybridization to metaphase chromosomes resulted in two distinct peaks on chromosome 12, at 12p12-p13 and 12q13-q14. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA suggested a single IAPP locus but also indicated the presence of additional homologous sequences in human genomic DNA.

Islet amyloid polypeptide: pinpointing amino acid residues linked to amyloid fibril formation

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), a putative polypeptide hormone, is a product of pancreatic beta-cells and the major constituent of the amyloid deposits seen mainly in islets of type 2 diabetic humans and diabetic cats. The connection between IAPP amyloid formation and diabetes is unknown, but a limited segment of the IAPP molecule, positions 20-29, seems responsible for the aggregation to fibrils. Differences in the amino acid sequence of this region probably determine whether or not islet amyloid can develop in a particular species. Amyloid fibril formation can be mimicked in vitro with the aid of synthetic peptides. With this technique we show that peptides corresponding to IAPP positions 20-29 of human and cat, species that develop IAPP-derived islet amyloid, form amyloid-like fibrils in vitro. The corresponding IAPP segment from three rodent species that do not develop IAPP-derived amyloid did not give rise to fibrils. Substitution of the human IAPP-(20-29) decapeptide with one or two amino acid residues from species without islet amyloid generally reduced the capacity to form fibrils. We conclude that the sequence Ala-Ile-Leu-Ser-Ser, corresponding to positions 25-29 of human IAPP, is strongly amyloidogenic and that a proline-for-serine substitution in position 28, as in several rodents, almost completely inhibits formation of amyloid fibrils.

Cloning and regulation of cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in bile acid biosynthesis

The rate-limiting step in bile acid biosynthesis is catalyzed by the microsomal cytochrome P-450 cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (7 alpha-hydroxylase). The expression of this enzyme is subject to feedback regulation by sterols and is thought to be coordinately regulated with enzymes in the cholesterol supply pathways, including the low density lipoprotein receptor and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and synthase. Here we report the purification of rat 7 alpha-hydroxylase and the determination of a partial amino acid sequence. Oligonucleotides derived from peptide sequence were used to clone a full-length cDNA encoding 7 alpha-hydroxylase. DNA sequence analysis of the cDNA revealed a 7 alpha-hydroxylase protein of 503 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 56,890 which represents a novel family of cytochrome P-450 enzymes. Transfection of a 7 alpha-hydroxylase cDNA into simian COS cells resulted in the synthesis of a functional enzyme whose activity was stimulated in vitro by the addition of rat microsomal cytochrome P-450 reductase protein. RNA blot hybridization experiments indicated that the mRNA for 7 alpha-hydroxylase is found only in the liver. The levels of this mRNA increased when bile acids were depleted by dietary cholestyramine and decreased when bile acids were consumed. Dietary cholesterol led to an increase in 7 alpha-hydroxylase mRNA levels. The enzymatic activity of 7 alpha-hydroxylase paralleled the observed changes in mRNA levels. These results suggest that bile acids and sterols are able to alter the transcription of the 7 alpha-hydroxylase gene and that this control explains the previously observed feedback regulation of bile acid synthesis.

Cosecretion of amylin and insulin from isolated rat pancreas

Amylin, a 37 amino acid C-terminal amidated peptide is an integral part of secretory granules of pancreatic beta-cells. Utilizing a specific radioimmunoassay system we demonstrate in the present study a cosecretion of amylin and insulin from the isolated rat pancreas. The secretion pattern of both peptides during glucose or glucose plus arginine stimulation is identical. The molar ratio of amylin amounts to 10% of that of insulin. The biological significance of amylin is still unknown, but a paracrine/endocrine role in glucose homeostasis is speculated.

Amylin secretion from the rat pancreas and its selective loss after streptozotocin treatment

Amylin, a peptide copackaged with insulin in beta-cell granules, was measured in the effluent of the perfused rat pancreases by means of a newly developed specific radioimmunoassay. Its secretion parallels that of insulin in response to 20 mM glucose, 10 mM arginine, or the combination thereof. The relative molar amount of secreted amylin was estimated to be 25-37% that of insulin. Treatment with a borderline diabetogenic dose of streptozotocin reduced amylin response without significantly changing the insulin response. A severely diabetogenic dose of streptozotocin totally abolished amylin release and markedly reduced insulin release. The selective impairment of amylin secretion in streptozotocin-treated rats could represent an early manifestation of beta-cell depletion or injury.

The calcitonin gene peptides: biology and clinical relevance

The calcitonin/CGRP multigene complex encodes a family of peptides: calcitonin, its C-terminal flanking peptide, katacalcin, and a third novel peptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The 32-amino acid peptide calcitonin inhibits the osteoclast, thereby conserving skeletal mass during periods of potential calcium lack, such as pregnancy, growth, and lactation. This hormonal role is emphasized by observations that lower circulating calcitonin levels are associated with bone loss and that calcitonin replacement prevents further bone loss. Structurally, CGRP resembles calcitonin and has been implicated in neuromodulation and in the physiological regulation of blood flow. Here we review the molecular genetics, structure, and function of the calcitonin-gene peptides as analyzed in the laboratory and focus on more recent clinical studies relating to disorders and therapeutics.

Secretion of islet amyloid polypeptide in response to glucose

The content of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) in isolated rat pancreatic islets was determined by a radioimmunoassay. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that a main peak of IAPP immunoreactivity in the extracts from the islets corresponded to a synthetic rat IAPP. Secretion of IAPP from the cells is regulated by the extracellular glucose concentration. Thus, IAPP may be a novel regulator for glucose homeostasis and changes in the secretion perhaps relate to insular amyloid deposits and impaired glucose tolerance in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Amylinamide, bone conservation, and pancreatic beta cells

Amylinamide is a potent osteoclast-inhibiting peptide that is co-secreted with insulin from the beta cell. It induces profound hypocalcaemia in rats and rabbits and abolishes bone resorption by isolated osteoclasts in vitro. The non-amidated human peptide forms an insoluble fibrillar amyloid deposit that may interfere with beta-cell function and precipitate type II diabetes.