AICA-riboside induces apoptosis of pancreatic beta cells through stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase.

Aims/hypothesis: Prolonged exposure of beta cells to low glucose concentrations triggers their apoptosis and is known to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in beta cell lines. We examined whether prolonged activation of AMPK can trigger apoptosis in rodent beta cells.

Methods: Primary beta cells were FACS-purified from rats, and from wild-type and AMPK(alpha2)-deficient mice.