The effect of staphylococcal delta-haemolysin on the secretory activity of the pancreatic beta-cell.

The secretion of insulin from isolated rat islets of Langerhans was found to be stimulated by the surface-active staphylococcal exotoxin, delta-haemolysin. The response was dependent on the concentration of delta-haemolysin, was rapid in onset, and could be maintained for at least an hour in the presence of the agent. The rate of secretion rapidly declined on removal of delta-haemolysin and the islets remained responsive to glucose following toxin treatment. Further characterization of the interaction of this agent with the beta-cell plasma membrane may provide valuable information concerning the role played by this membrane in the regulation of insulin secretion.