Effects of substance P on electric activity of mouse pancreatic islet cells in vitro

The effects of substance P (SP), [D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9]SP and verapamil on the electric activity of B cells of Langerhans islets of mice were investigated. Addition of SP 100 nmol.L-1 to the perfusion medium stimulated spontaneous electric activity induced by glucose 5.5 mmol.L-1 with an increase in frequency and amplitude of the spikes. [D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9]SP 50 nmol.L-1 reversed the stimulative effect of SP. There was no evidence for an enhancing interaction between SP and acetylcholine 1 mumol.L-1. Verapamil 60 mumol.L-1 blocked the stimulative effect of SP. These results suggest that the stimulative effect of SP on the electric activity of B cells may be due to the increase in Ca2+ influx through the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.