Effect of PK11195, a peripheral benzodiazepine receptor agonist, on insulinoma cell death and insulin secretion

Abstract

Functional role of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor on mitochondrial membrane in apoptosis and insulin secretion from insulinoma cells was studied. A prototypic peripheral benzodiazepine receptor agonist PK11195 induced insulinoma cell apoptosis, while a central benzodiazepine receptor agonist did not. Death of insulinoma cells by PK11195 was inhibited by cyclosporin A,{ a blocker of mitochondrial permeability transition pore}. Caspase inhibitors further inhibited MIN6N8 cell death. PK11195 induced dissipation of mitochondrial potential and cytochrome c translocation to cytoplasm. PK11195 induced an increase in cytoplasmic [Ca2 +], which was reversed by cyclosporin A. Rhod-2 staining showed decreased mitochondrial [Ca2 +] after PK11195 treatment. PK11195 potentiated glucose-induced insulin secretion probably due to the increased cytoplasmic [Ca2 +]. Calpain was activated following Ca2 + release, and calpain inhibitors attenuated death of insulinoma cells by PK11195. These results suggest that PK11195 induces mitochondrial potential loss, cytochrome c translocation, increased insulin secretion in conjunction with an increase in cytoplasmic [Ca2 +] and calpain activation, which collectively leads to apoptosis of insulinoma cells.