Document Type

Article

Original Publication Date

2000

Journal/Book/Conference Title

The Biophysical Journal

Volume

79

Issue

6

First Page

2880

Last Page

2892

DOI of Original Publication

10.1016/S0006-3495(00)76525-8

Comments

Originally published at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3495(00)76525-8

Under an Elsevier user license

Date of Submission

February 2015

Abstract

Abstract

Pancreatic β-cells exhibit bursting oscillations with a wide range of periods. Whereas periods in isolated cells are generally either a few seconds or a few minutes, in intact islets of Langerhans they are intermediate (10–60 s). We develop a mathematical model for β-cell electrical activity capable of generating this wide range of bursting oscillations. Unlike previous models, bursting is driven by the interaction of two slow processes, one with a relatively small time constant (1–5 s) and the other with a much larger time constant (1–2 min). Bursting on the intermediate time scale is generated without need for a slow process having an intermediate time constant, hence phantom bursting. The model suggests that isolated cells exhibiting a fast pattern may nonetheless possess slower processes that can be brought out by injecting suitable exogenous currents. Guided by this, we devise an experimental protocol using the dynamic clamp technique that reliably elicits islet-like, medium period oscillations from isolated cells. Finally, we show that strong electrical coupling between a fast burster and a slow burster can produce synchronized medium bursting, suggesting that islets may be composed of cells that are intrinsically either fast or slow, with few or none that are intrinsically medium.

Rights

From The Biophysical Journal, Bertram, R., Previte, J., Sherman, A., et al., The Phantom Burster Model for Pancreatic β-Cells, Vol. 79, Page 2880. Copyright © 2000 The Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. Reprinted with permission.

Is Part Of

VCU Pharmacology and Toxicology Publications

Share

COinS