Correlations between chanelled Na+ entry, Ca2 + fluxes and insulin release in pancreatic beta-cells.

The results of ion flux measurements and insulin release studies performed on isolated rat islets of Langerhans using veratridine and tetrodotoxin show that Na+ channels exist in the outer membrane of pancreatic beta-cells. From a pharmacological point of view these channels appear very similar, if not identical, to those present in nerve. The consequences of opening such channels are described and their possible involvement in the physiological regulation of insulin release discussed.