Rat prostaglandin EP3 receptor is highly promiscuous and is the sole prostanoid receptor family member that regulates INS-1 (832/3) cell glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.

Chronic elevations in fatty acid metabolites termed prostaglandins can be found in circulation and in pancreatic islets from mice or humans with diabetes and have been suggested as contributing to the β-cell dysfunction of the disease. Two-series prostaglandins bind to a family of G-protein-coupled receptors, each with different biochemical and pharmacological properties. Prostaglandin E receptor (EP) subfamily agonists and antagonists have been shown to influence β-cell insulin secretion, replication, and/or survival.

Enriching Islet Phospholipids With Eicosapentaenoic Acid Reduces Prostaglandin E Signaling and Enhances Diabetic β-Cell Function.

Prostaglandin E (PGE) is derived from arachidonic acid, whereas PGE is derived from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) using the same downstream metabolic enzymes. Little is known about the impact of EPA and PGE on β-cell function, particularly in the diabetic state. In this work, we determined that PGE elicits a 10-fold weaker reduction in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion through the EP3 receptor as compared with PGE We tested the hypothesis that enriching pancreatic islet cell membranes with EPA, thereby reducing arachidonic acid abundance, would positively impact β-cell function in the diabetic state.

The gastrin-releasing peptide analog bombesin preserves exocrine and endocrine pancreas morphology and function during parenteral nutrition.

Stimulation of digestive organs by enteric peptides is lost during total parental nutrition (PN). Here we examine the role of the enteric peptide bombesin (BBS) in stimulation of the exocrine and endocrine pancreas during PN. BBS protects against exocrine pancreas atrophy and dysfunction caused by PN.