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Diabetologia
Published in: Diabetologia 8/2009

Open Access 01-08-2009 | Article

Purinergic P2X7 receptors regulate secretion of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and beta cell function and survival

Authors: R. Glas, N. S. Sauter, F. T. Schulthess, L. Shu, J. Oberholzer, K. Maedler

Published in: Diabetologia | Issue 8/2009

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Abstract

Aims/hypothesis

In obesity, beta cells activate compensatory mechanisms to adapt to the higher insulin demand. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) prevents obesity-induced hyperglycaemia and is a potent target for the treatment of diabetes, but the mechanisms of its secretion and regulation in obesity are unknown. In the present study, we hypothesise the regulation of IL-1Ra secretion by purinergic P2X7 receptors in islets.

Methods

Production and regulation of P2X7 were studied in pancreatic sections from lean and obese diabetic patients, non-diabetic controls and in isolated islets. IL-1Ra, IL-1β and insulin secretion, glucose tolerance and beta cell mass were studied in P2x7 (also known as P2Rx7)-knockout mice.

Results

P2X7 levels were elevated in beta cells of obese patients, but downregulated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Elevated glucose and non-esterified fatty acids rapidly activated P2X7 and IL-1Ra secretion in human islets, and this was inhibited by P2X7 blockade. In line with our results in vitro, P2x7-knockout mice had a lower capacity to secrete IL-1Ra. They exhibited severe and rapid hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance and impaired beta cell function in response to a high-fat/high-sucrose diet, were unable to compensate by increasing their beta cell mass in response to the diet and showed increased beta cell apoptosis.

Conclusions/interpretation

Our study shows a tight correlation of P2X7 activation, IL-1Ra secretion and regulation of beta cell mass and function. The increase in P2X7 production is one mechanism that may explain how beta cells compensate by adapting to the higher insulin demand. Disturbances within that system may result in the progression of diabetes.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Purinergic P2X7 receptors regulate secretion of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and beta cell function and survival
Authors
R. Glas
N. S. Sauter
F. T. Schulthess
L. Shu
J. Oberholzer
K. Maedler
Publication date
01-08-2009
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Diabetologia / Issue 8/2009
Print ISSN: 0012-186X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0428
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-009-1349-0

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