Culturing α cells with MIN6 β cells or insulin increases α-cell proliferation.

<p>(A) αTC1 cells were co-cultured with MIN6 β cells (n = 16), αTC1 (n = 16), CHO-NEO (n = 12) and medium (n = 12) in transwell plates, as shown. Results show relative proliferation rates of α-TC1 cells. (B) and (C), glucagon and insulin levels in medium from αTC1 and MIN6 cells, assayed at the times shown. (D) αTC1 cells were treated with insulin for 5 days at the concentration shown. EC50 = 2 nM, n = 6 separate experiments. All data are expressed as means± SEM; ***p<0.0005.