Metabotropic glutamate and GABAB receptors contribute to the modulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells

Aims/hypothesis: The neurotransmitters glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) could participate in the regulation of the endocrine functions of islets of Langerhans. We investigated the role of the metabotropic glutamate (mGluRs) and GABA_B (GABA_BRs) receptors in this process. Methods: We studied the expression of mGluRs and GABA _BRs in rat and human islets of Langerhans and in pancreatic α-cell and beta-cell lines using RT-PCR and immunoblot analysis. Effects of mGluR and GABA _B R agonists on insulin secretion were determined by radioimmunoassays and enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assays (ELISAs). Results: We detected mGluR3 and mGluR5 (but not mGluR1, 6 and 7) mRNAs in all of the samples examined. Trace amount of mGluR2 was found in MIN6 beta cells; mGluR4 was identified in rat islets; and mGluR8 expression was detected in rat islets, RINm5F and MIN6 cells. GABA _BR1 a/b and 2 mRNAs were identified in islets of Langerhans and MIN6 cells. The expression of mGluR3, mGluR5, GABA_BR1 a/b and GABA_BR2 proteins was confirmed using specific antibodies. Group I (mGluR1/5) and group II (mGluR2/3) specific mGluR agonists increased the release of insulin in the presence of 3 to 10 mmol/l or 3 to 25 mmol/l glucose, respectively, whereas a group III (mGluR4/6–8) specific agonist inhibited insulin release at high (10–25 mmol/l) glucose concentrations. Baclofen, a GABA_BR agonist, also inhibited the release of insulin but only in the presence of 25 mmol/l glucose. Conclusion/interpretation: These data suggest that mGluRs and GABA_BRs play a role in the regulation of the endocrine pancreas with mechanisms probably involving direct activation or inhibition of voltage dependent Ca²⁺-channels, cAMP generation and G-protein-mediated modulation of K_ATP channels. [Diabetologia (2002) 45: 242–252] Received: 18 September 2001 and in revised form: 5 November 2001