Analysis of D-amino acids secreted from murine islets of Langerhans using Marfey's reagent and reversed phase LC-MS/MS.

D-amino acids (D-AAs) are important signaling molecules due to their ability to bind ionotropic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. D-serine (D-Ser), D-alanine (D-Ala), and D-aspartate (D-Asp) have been found individually in the endocrine portion of the pancreas, the islets of Langerhans, and/or their secretions. However, there has been no report of a comprehensive assessment of D-AAs in islet secretions.

Simultaneous monitoring of multiple hormones from human islets of Langerhans using solid-phase extraction-mass spectrometry.

Islets of Langerhans release peptide hormones in controlled amounts and patterns to ensure proper maintenance of blood glucose levels. The overall release of the hormones is shaped by external factors and by autocrine and paracrine interactions occurring within the islets. To better understand what controls the secretion of islet-secreted peptides, and how these processes go awry in diabetes, methods to monitor the release of multiple hormones simultaneously are needed.

Small molecules released from islets of Langerhans determined by liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry.

Islets of Langerhans are the endocrine tissue within the pancreas that secrete hormones for maintenance of blood glucose homeostasis. A variety of small molecules including classical neurotransmitters are also released from islets. While the roles of most of these small molecules are unknown, some have been hypothesized to play a critical role in islet physiology.

D-serine mitigates cell loss associated with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of drug-resistant epilepsy in adults, with an unknown etiology. A hallmark of TLE is the characteristic loss of layer 3 neurons in the medial entorhinal area (MEA) that underlies seizure development. One approach to intervention is preventing loss of these neurons through better understanding of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.