Abstract

Expression of HCN and sodium channels in murine model of Type I diabetes

Pancreatic apoptosis is an important event in the pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes. It is characterized by secretion and binding of inflammatory cytokines to the pancreatic islets, that activate downstream signaling mechanism. These signaling mechanisms finally increase intracellular calcium level and that lead to the activation of apoptotic pathways. Ion channels are transmembrane protein, responsible for the tightly regulated transport of ions into the cell. Among the distinct types of ion channels, the contribution of voltage gated sodium channel (VGSC) and Hyperpolarization activated Cyclic Nucleotide gated channel (HCN) in the pathogenesis of pancreatic apoptosis have not been well established. Thus we mimicked the pancreatic apoptotic condition in the BALB/c mice as well as in the in vitro pancreatic βTC6 cell line. We have observed by RT PCR study, upregulated expression of VGSC in the early phase of in vivo and in vitro apoptotic pancreatic conditions. And also we have observed down regulation of HCN channel in the in vitro apoptotic pancreatic cells. Thus, specific ion channel modulator of these ion channels may hold a promising tool for improving pancreatic cell viability in Type 1 Diabetic conditions.

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