KATP channel-dependent and -independent protection against glucolipotoxicity-induced damage of mouse beta-cells

Background: Obesity leads to oxidative stress and glucolipotoxicity (Gltx) which affect the metabolic integrity of beta-cells. The present work aimed to clarify whether genetic and pharmacological deletion of functional KATP channels prevents Gltx-induced metabolic damage as shown before for oxidative stress. Methods: Beta-cells from WT and SUR1-KO mice were kept in Gltx medium (30 mM glucose, 1 mM palmitate) for 1 – 3 d. Metabolic integrity of beta-cells was studied by measuring Ca2+ oscillations with the fura-2 technique. ROS was measured by DCDHF fluorescence which predominantly detects H2O2. Results: The per…