Influence of neuropeptide Y and pancreatic polypeptide on islet function and beta-cell survival

Background: In the present study we assessed the impact of Neuropeptide Y Receptor (NPYR) modulators, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP), on islet function and beta-cell survival.

Methods: The effects of NPY and PP on beta-cell function were examined in BRIN BD11 and 1.1B4 beta-cells, as well as isolated mouse islets. Involvement of both Peptides in pancreatic islet adaptations to streptozotocin and hydrocortisone, as well as effects on beta-cell proliferation and Apoptosis was also evaluated.

Results: Neither NPY nor PP affected in vivo glucose disposal or Insulin secretion in mice. However, both Peptides inhibited (p<0.05 to p<0.001) glucose stimulated Insulin secretion from rat and human beta-cells. NPY exerted similar insulinostatic effects in isolated mouse islets. NPY and PP inhibited alanine-induced changes in BRIN BD11 cell membrane potential and (Ca²⁺)_i. Streptozotocin treatment decreased and hydrocortisone treatment increased beta-cell mass in mice. In addition, streptozotocin, but not hydrocortisone, increased PP cell area. Streptozotocin also shifted the normal co-localisation of NPY with PP, towards more pronounced co-expression with somatostatin in delta-cells. Both streptozotocin and hydrocortisone increased pancreatic exocrine expression of NPY. More detailed in vitro investigations revealed that NPY, but not PP, augmented (p<0.01) BRIN BD11 beta-cell proliferation. In addition, both Peptides exerted protective effects against streptozotocin-induced DNA damage in beta-cells.

Conclusion: These data emphasise the involvement of PP, and particularly NPY, in the regulation of beta-cell mass and function.

General significance: Modulation of PP and NPY signalling is suitable for further evaluation and possible clinical development for the treatment of diabetes.