Insulin feedback action on pancreatic β-cell function

Pancreatic beta-cell function is essential for the regulation of glucose homeostasis and its impairment leads to diabetes mellitus. Besides glucose, the major nutrient factor, inputs from neural and Immoral components and intraislet cell-cell communication act together to guarantee an appropriate pancreatic beta-cell function. Data obtained over the last 5 years in several laboratories have revitalized a controversial concept, namely the autocrine feedback action of secreted insulin on beta-cell function. While, historically, insulin was suggested to exert a negative effect on beta-cells, recent data provide evidence for a positive role of insulin in transcription, translation, ion flux, insulin secretion and beta-cell survival. (C) 2002 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.