β-Cell adaptation in 60% pancreatectomy rats that preserves normoinsulinemia and normoglycemia

Abstract

Islet β-cells are the regulatory element of the glucose homeostasis system. When functioning normally, they precisely counterbalance changes in insulin sensitivity or β-cell mass to preserve normoglycemia. This understanding seems counter to the dogma that β-cells are regulated by glycemia. We studied 60% pancreatectomy rats (Px) 4 wk postsurgery to elucidate the β-cell adaptive mechanisms. Nonfasting glycemia and insulinemia were identical in Px and sham-operated controls. There was partial regeneration of the excised β-cells in the Px rats, but it was limited in scope, with the pancreas β-cell mass reaching 55% of the shams (40% increase from the time of surgery). More consequential was a heightened glucose responsiveness of Px islets so that glucose utilization and insulin secretion per milligram of islet protein were both 80% augmented at normal levels of glycemia. Investigation of the biochemical basis showed a doubled glucokinase maximal velocity in Px islets, with no change in the glucokinase protein concentration after adjustment for the different β-cell mass in Px and sham islets. Hexokinase activity measured in islet extracts was also minimally increased, but the glucose 6-phosphate concentration and basal glucose usage of Px islets were not different from those in islets from sham-operated rats. The dominant β-cell adaptive response in the 60% Px rats was an increased catalytic activity of glucokinase. The remaining β-cells thus sense, and respond to, perceived hyperglycemia despite glycemia actually being normal. β-Cell mass and insulin secretion are both augmented so that whole pancreas insulin output, and consequently glycemia, are maintained at normal levels.