Optimal Range of Input Resistance in the Oscillatory Behavior of the Pancreatic beta-Cell

The pancreatic β-cell produces the hormone insulin in response to the blood glucose levels. This system is damaged in the diabetes. The central region of the s-cell electrical response is oscillatory. In this study, we demonstrate that in this region of the response, the membrane resistance of the cells oscillates in phase with the membrane potential. As the cells input resistance reflects the balance of the ionic conductances, we hypothesize that an optimal range of the input resistance determines the capability of the cells to get into oscillations. Under this scope, we propose an electronic circuit able to reproduce the behavior of the biological system. This circuit would be useful to build an artificial insulin pump able to reproduce the physiological pattern.