Activation of TRPV4 channel in pancreatic INS-1E beta cells enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion via calcium-dependent mechanisms

Transient receptor potential channel vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) is a Ca²⁺- and Mg²⁺-permeable cation channel that influences oxidative metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The role of TRPV4 in pancreatic beta cells is largely unknown. Here, we characterize the role of TRPV4 in controlling intracellular Ca²⁺ and insulin secretion in INS-1E beta cells. Osmotic, thermal or pharmacological activation of TRPV4 caused a rapid rise of intracellular Ca²⁺ and enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. In the presence of the TRPV channel blocker ruthenium red (RuR) or after suppression of TRPV4 protein production, TRPV4 activators failed to increase [Ca²⁺]_i and insulin secretion in INS-1E cells.     

Keraladiaptomus rangareddyi a new genus and new species of Diaptominae (Copepoda,Calanoida, Diaptomidae) from a temporary pond in Mattam,Kerala State,India

Calanoid copepods, belonging to the new genus and species Keraladiaptomus rangareddyi, were collected from temporary ponds in Kerala State, India. The new genus belongs to the family Diaptomidae, subfamily Diaptominae. It is described in detail and its affinity to the related genera, Arctodiaptomus Kiefer, 1932 and Eodiaptomus Kiefer, 1932, discussed.     

New records of Rotifera from India

Fifteen species of monogonont Rotifera are recorded from India for the first time. These are Lecane acanthinula (Hauer), L. aspasia Myers, L. monostyla (Daday), L. ruttneri (Hauer), L. simonneae Segers, Lepadella costatoides Segers, L. cf. favorita Klement, L. minuta (Montet), L. triba Myers, Notommata pachyura (Gosse), N. saccigera Ehrenberg, Sinantherina semibullata (Thorpe), Trichocerca chattoni (De Beauchamp), T. kostei Segers and Taphrocampa selenura (Gosse). Taxonomic and/or zoogeographic notes are added, when appropriate.