Calcium-dependent ultrasound stimulation of secretory events from pancreatic beta cells.

Background: Our previous studies have indicated that ultrasound can stimulate the release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells, providing a potential novel treatment for type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to explore the temporal dynamics and Ca-dependency of ultrasound-stimulated secretory events from dopamine-loaded pancreatic beta cells in an in vitro setup.

Methods: Carbon fiber amperometry was used to detect secretion from INS-1832/13 beta cells in real time.

Therapeutic Modulation of Calcium Dynamics using Ultrasound and Other Energy-based Techniques.

Ultrasound, along with other types of energy-based methods, has been widely investigated for use in various therapeutic applications because of its ability to stimulate specific biological processes. Many of these processes are mediated by calcium (Ca2+) signaling, thus making modulation of Ca2+ dynamics an evident therapeutic target for energy-based techniques. Various diseases have been associated with abnormal Ca2+ signaling and could therefore benefit from therapeutic approaches trying to regulate the transport of Ca2+ across cell membranes.