86Rb+ fluxes and K+-stimulated nitrophenyl phosphatase activity in the pancreatic islets of genetically diabetic mice (C57BL/KsJ-db/db).

Fluxes of 86Rb+ and hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate were measured in collagenase-isolated islets of diabetic C57BL/KsJ-db/db-mice and normal controls (C57BL/KsJ-+/+). Both types of islets accumulated Rb+ avidly, as originally reported for hand-dissected islets of non-inbred ob/ob-mice. KsJ-db/db-mouse islets showed enhanced accumulation of Rb+ and normal activity of K+-activated nitrophenyl phosphatase. D-glucose, 20 mmol/l, inhibited Rb+ efflux in normal islets but not in those from KsJ-db/db-mice. The glucose insensitivity of Rb+ efflux was observed in young animals, which exhibit glucose-induced insulin release, as well as in old animals, which do not secrete insulin in response to glucose. The anomalous regulation of Rb+ efflux already present in young animals may bear on the liability of KsJ-db/db-mouse B-cells to develop defective control of membrane potential, an abnormal metabolism of cyclic AMP, and a marked failure of insulin secretory capacity.