Assessing Crosstalk Between Calcium and cAMP in Pancreatic Alpha Cells

<p>Blood glucose levels are regulated by the interactions between insulin and glucagon. Pancreatic alpha cells release glucagon in response to a drop in blood sugar. Pancreatic alpha cells appear to be regulated through multiple signaling pathways. One potential method of regulation occurs from α-MSH or epinephrine stimulated production of the intracellular messenger cyclic AMP. Exocytosis of dense core vesicles containing glucagon ultimately requires an increase in cytosolic calcium. This study focused on the link between cyclic AMP and calcium in pancreatic alpha cells which allows alpha cell regulation. Interactions between calcium and cyclic AMP in pancreatic alpha cells consists of PKA-dependant and PKA-independent pathways. The results indicate cyclic AMP pathways control L-type voltage-gated calcium channels and also increase cytoplasmic calcium from intracellular stores. Store release appears to be through IP3 mediated pathways and not through the ryanodine-sensitive receptor.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2009

Author dc:creator

• Imseis, Julianne Michelle

Contributors dc:contributor

• Joseph Angleson, Ph.D.
• Nancy Lorenzon
• Robert M. Dores

• Alpha cells
• cAMP
• Cyclic AMP
• Endocrinology
• Epac
• PKA
• Protein kinase A
• Biology
• Structural Biology

Statement dc:rights

• <p>Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.</p>

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/829

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.du.edu:etd-1828