Increased calcium-channel currents of pancreatic β cells in neonatally streptozocin-induced diabetic rats

Using a whole-cell patch-clamp technique, voltage-dependent Ca2+-channel activities were found to be increased in cultured single β cells isolated from neonatally streptozocin-induced diabetic rats (NSZ rats). The current-voltage relationship and inactivation time course of Ba2+ currents via L-type Ca2+ channels were indistinguishable between NSZ and control rats. However, the current density observed in NSZ rats was significantly greater than...