OBJECTIVE
cAMP is a critical messenger for insulin and glucagon secretion from pancreatic beta- and alpha-cells, respectively. Dispersed beta-cells show cAMP oscillations, but the signaling kinetics in cells within intact islets of Langerhans is unknown.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The subplasma-membrane cAMP concentration ([cAMP](pm)) was recorded in alpha-and beta-cells in the mantle of intact mouse pancreatic islets using total internal reflection microscopy and a fluorescent translocation biosensor. Cell identification was based on the opposite effects of adrenaline on cAMP in alpha- and beta-cells.
RESULTS
In islets exposed to 3 mmol/L glucose, [cAMP](pm) was low and stable. Glucagon and glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)-amide (GLP-1) induced dose-dependent elevation of [cAMP](pm), often with oscillations synchronized among beta-cells. Whereas glucagon also induced [cAMP](pm) oscillations in most alpha-cells, < 20% of the alpha-cells responded to GLP-1. Elevation of the glucose concentration to 11-30 mmol/L in the absence of hormones induced slow [cAMP](pm) oscillations in both alpha- and beta-cells. These cAMP oscillations were coordinated with those of the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](i)) in the beta-cells but not caused by the changes in [Ca2+](i) . The transmembrane adenylyl cyclase (AC) inhibitor 2'5'-dideoxyadenosine suppressed the glucose- and hormone-induced [cAMP](pm) elevations, whereas the preferential inhibitors of soluble AC, KH7, and 1,3,5(10)-estratrien-2,3,17-beta-triol perturbed cell metabolism and lacked effect, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Oscillatory [cAMP](pm) signaling in secretagogue-stimulated beta-cells is maintained within intact islets and depends on transmembrane AC activity. The discovery of glucose- and glucagon-induced [cAMP](pm) oscillations in alpha-cells indicates the involvement of cAMP in the regulation of pulsatile glucagon secretion.