Vanadate Induction of Pancreatic Amylase mRNA in Diabetic Rats

Amylase activity and mRNA abundance are reduced to <1% of normal levels in diabetic rat pancreas. Administration of vanadate in drinking water restored normal amylase activity and amylase mRNA levels. These results demonstrate an effect of vanadate on pancreatic acinar cells and suggest that vanadate can mimic the effect of insulin on transcription of the pancreatic amylase gene.