Electrical bursting of islet beta cells

Article Abstract:

Exposure of clusters of cultured mouse islet beta cells to carbamylcholine (CCh) or to dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db-cAMP) has been put forward as a cause of repeating membrane hyperpolarizations. However, the data used to support this hypothesis, such as db-cAMP and CCh's hyperpolarization of the membrane and prevention of membrane electrical activity, are already widely accepted. On the other hand, this mechanism may indeed be related to the islet cell's electrical activity since it has the capacity of initiating membrane potential oscillations in cultured beta cells.

Electric properties, Cells (Biology), Cells, Islands of Langerhans, Islets of Langerhans

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No electrostatic sense in snakes

Article Abstract:

The theory of W.T. Vonstille and W.T. Stille, III that the skin of snakes and the characteristic tongue-flicking of rattlesnakes are adaptations for production and reception of electrostatic charges is disputable. Although electrostatic charges are generated by rattlesnake rattles and tongue-flicking into the air is observed in these snakes, no phylogenetic or functional correlation exists between these features and the ability to release electrostatic charges. These charges are classified as epiphenomena, which might serve other purposes.

Snakes

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ATP and chloride conductance

Article Abstract:

A better understanding of how the disease cystic fibrosis develops may result from research on how adenosine triphosphate (ATP) affects cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). CFTR is a chloride channel the mutation of which causes cystic fibrosis. P.M. Quinton and M.M. Reddy argue that ATP or adenylic acid (AMP) or both control ion transport by CFTR either directly or through the cellular energy charge. This would explain why AMP and ATP analogues trigger CFTR-linked chloride conductance.

Development and progression, Adenosine triphosphate, ATP, Cystic fibrosis, Chloride channels

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