The effect of serotonin on in vitro insulin secretion and biosynthesis in mice

Summary The effect of serotonin on insulin secretion and biosynthesis was studied using isolated islets of mice. Serotonin produced a small stimulatory effect on insulin secretion when glucose was present in the incubation medium at a low concentration. On the other hand, an inhibition of insulin secretion was obtained with serotonin when glucose in the medium reached 3.0 mg/ml concentration. No significant effect of serotonin was obtained on insulin biosynthesis, neither in the presence of low nor with a high glucose concentration. These results suggest that the effect of this monoamine on insulin secretion is not mediated via its effect on insulin biosynthesis.Supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Bonn-Bad Godesberg, SFB 87 Ulm