Effect of caloric restriction on isolated pancreatic islets on cell coupling, impact of electrical activity and intracellular Ca 2+ oscillation

Abstract

Intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions contributes to appropriate insulin secretion. Data from the literature show that connexin (Cx) 36 is closely related to insulin secretion by glucose stimulation or other segretagogues. However, there are few studies in the literature that characterize the functionality of the Cx and the relationship of this coupling with the electrical pulsatility through the oscillations of [Ca2+] so that insulin secretion occurs adequately associated with the feeding intervention. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of caloric restriction (CR) on intercellular coupling in isolated pancreatic islets and the impact of electrical activity and intracellular oscillations of [Ca2+] on the endocrine function of obese mice. This study will allow the understanding of the intercellular communication of animals submitted to CR characterized by low circulating insulin and increased peripheral sensitivity to insulin. It will also provide the possibility of understanding the pathologies, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome, related to the functioning of the communicating channels and insulin secretion, as well as to suggest ways of interventions to minimize or delay the onset of these pathologies.