Glucose regulates expression of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor isoforms in isolated rat pancreatic islets

Isolated rat pancreatic islets were studied to determine the dynamic regulatory effects of glucose stimulation on the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R) isoforms I, II, and III. The relative isoform abundance was: IP3R-III > IP3R-II ~ IP3R-I. Culture of islets with glucose (G; 20 mM) or α-ketoisocaproic acid for 30 min increased only IP3R-III mRNA expression above control (5.5 mM glucose). 2-Deoxyglucose was without effect. Islet culture for 2 h with G (20 mM) or α-ketoisocaproic acid reduced IP3R-III mRNA expression levels below control, and cycloheximide blocked the response. Culturing islets for 1 day or 7 days with G (11 mM) reduced the expression of IP3R-III mRNA but increased the expression of IP3R-II mRNA in a time-dependent manner. Cytosine arabinoside lowered cultured islet IP3R-II and -III mRNA levels, but glucose effects remained evident. IP3R-II mRNA levels were also significantly higher in islets from hyperglycemic 90% partial pancreatectomized rats, compared with sham animals. Islet IP3R mRNA expression also showed osmotic sensitivity. Islet IP3R-III protein levels increased after 2 h islet culture at 20 mM G, were unchanged after 1 day culture at 11 mM G, and were lower than control after 7 days culture at 11 mM G. In contrast, IP3R-II levels increased after 1 day and 7 days culture at 11 mM G, whereas IP3R-I protein levels remained unchanged. Thus, G stimulation rapidly increases transcription and expression IP3R-III mRNA and protein levels in rat islets. However, chronic G stimulation up-regulates IP3R-II mRNA in cultured islets and in islets from partial pancreatectomized rats. Metabolic regulation of IP3R-II and III expression may mediate β-cell IP3-responsive Ca²⁺ mobilization and insulin secretion.