Assay of flavin nucleotides in pancreatic islets by a differential fluorimetric technique

Differences in fluorescence intensity between FMN and FAD at high and low pH values were utilized to determine the concentration of each nucleotide. Amounts down to 1 pmol were measurable. The FMN and FAD contents of pancreatic islets of obese-hyperglycaemic mice (gene symbol ob/ob) were compared with those of the exocrine pancreas, the liver and heart muscle. As expected, the FAD content of each tissue was greater than that of FMN. The contents of both nucleotides were significantly higher in the islets than in the exocrine part of the pancreas, but lower than in the heart muscle and liver. Possible relationships between the flavin content of the islets and their capacity for oxidative phosphorylation are briefly discussed.