Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release in the pancreatic β-cell:: Direct evidence of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release

The role of the Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release channel (ryanodine receptor) in MIN6 pancreatic beta-cells was investigated. An endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-targeted "cameleon" was used to report lumenal free Ca2+. Depolarization of MIN6 cells with KCl led to release of Ca2+ from the ER. This ER Ca2+ release was mimicked by treatment with the ryanodine receptor agonists caffeine and 4-chloro-m-cresol, reversed by voltage-gated Ca2+ channel antagonists and blocked by treatment with antagonistic concentrations of ryanodine. The depolarization-induced rise in cytoplasmic Ca2+ was also inhibited by ryanodine, which did not alter voltage-gated Ca2+ channel activation. Both ER and cytoplasmic Ca2+ changes induced by depolarization occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Glucose caused a delayed rise in cytoplasmic Ca2+ but no detectable change in ER Ca2+. Carbamyl choline caused ER Ca2+ release, a response that was not altered by ryanodine. Taken together, these results provide strong evidence that Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release augments cytoplasmic Ca2+ signals in pancreatic beta-cells.