In vitro effect of vanadate on content, secretion and biosynthesis of insulin in isolated islets of normal Wistar rats.

In in vitro experiments the effect of (Na-ortho)vanadate (1-50 mumol/l) on content, secretion and biosynthesis of insulin was investigated in isolated islets of normal Wistar rats. Compared with controls insulin content is unchanged, but insulin secretion and biosynthesis rate are significantly reduced; secretion is significantly more reduced in the basal than in the stimulating glucose medium. Our results support the view that vanadate exhibits its influence on insulin metabolism in the beta cell already.