Isoflurane inhibits insulin secretion from isolated rat pancreatic islets of langerhans

Abstract

We have investigated the effects of isoflurane on insulin secretion in vitro from rat isolated islets of Langerhans and found a significant, dose-related and reversible inhibition of insulin secretion. Isoflurane 2% decreased insulin secretion stimulated by glucose 20 mmol litre-1 to basal, nonstimulated values. In other studies to identify the stage in the stimulus secretion pathway for insulin at which the anaesthetic may exert an inhibitory action, we have stimulated insulin release using glyceraldehyde and a phorbol ester. Insulin se cretion induced by these secretagogues was also blocked by isofiurane. This suggests that the inhibitory effect of the anaesthetic agent may be at a site distal to stimulation of insulin secretion by glyceraldehyde and phorbol esters. (Br. J. Anaesth. 1993; 71: 873-876) © 1993 British Journal of Anaesthesia.