Effect of exogenous zinc on insulin secretion in vitro.

The effect of varying exogenous zinc concentrations on insulin secretion by the perfused pancreas and short-term cultured islets was studied. No significant effect was observed at several supraphysiologic concentrations unless islets were cultured with 200 microM added zinc. These results suggest that exposure of the pancreas to non-physiologic zinc levels is necessary in order to influence the insulin secretory process.