Stimulation of Adenylate Cyclase by Ca2+ and Calmodulin in Rat Islets of Langerhans: Explanation for the Glucose-induced Increase in Cyclic AMP Levels

Geoffrey W.G. Sharp, Dayna E. Wiedenkeller, D. Kaelin, E. G. Siegel, Claes B. Wollheim

Diabetes · 1980 · 78 citations · 0 references

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Abstract

The effect of Ca2+ and calmodulin has been studied on adenylate cyclase activity in homogenates of rat islets of Langerhans. EGTA had a stimulatory effect on the enzyme in accord with the known inhibitory effect of Ca2+. In contrast, the addition of Ca2+ together with calmodulin is stimulatory and demonstrates the existence of a Ca2+-dependent adenylate cyclase in islets of Langerhans. It is suggested that the glucose-induced increase in cyclic AMP concentrations in intact islets is a secondary consequence of the glucose-induced increase in cytosol free-Ca2+ concentrations which, with calmodulin, causes an increase in the activity of adenylate cyclase.