SYNTHESIS AND SECRETION OF INSULIN: ROLE OF ZINC CATIONS

Scientific research data on the role of zinc in the processing of insulin in pancreatic β-cells of the islets of Langerhans are presented. It is shown that Zn2+ as a cofactor is not only involved in the synthesis of insulin granules and their depositing in vesicles, but it also serves as a signal molecule for α-cells while releasing into the extracellular space.