Diazoxide unmasks glucose inhibition of insulin release by counteracting entry of Ca2+.

The interaction of diazoxide with the effects of glucose on the insulin-releasing mechanism was analyzed in beta-cell-rich pancreatic islets isolated from ob/ob mice. When added at a concentration of 400 microM to a medium containing 1.28 mM Ca2+, diazoxide converted glucose stimulation of insulin release into inhibition. Further addition of 2 mM theophylline restored the insulin secretory response to glucose. The paradoxical glucose inhibition of insulin release was accounted for by a diazoxide interaction with the entry of Ca2+, unmasking a capacity of the sugar to lower cytoplasmic Ca2+ below its resting concentration.