Studies on the (pro) insulin biosynthesis of islets of Langerhans of sand rats (Psammomys obesus).
By feeding a regular laboratory chow, sand rats (Psammomys obesus) from our breeding colony gained different body weights, though they received approximately the same quantity of calories. Sand rats, reaching a body weight above 160 g (group B) showed significantly increased blood glucose values in contrast to the animals with a body weight under 160 g (group A). Isolated pancreatic islets of these two groups of sand rats were incubated with [3H]-leucine to study the incorporation of this amino acid into proinsulin and insulin. The incorporation into proteins of pancreatic islets of sand rats of group B was stimulated by 0.45 mg and 3.0 mg/ml glucose. In group A there was no further stimulation from 0.45 mg to 3.0 mg/ml glucose. Insulin secretion could be stimulated by glucose in both groups, but the stimulation was stronger in group B than in group A.
D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002149:Energy Intake; D005947:Glucose / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007328:Insulin / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D011384:Proinsulin / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D051381:Rats
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D011384:Proinsulin; D005947:Glucose