Decreased β-cell volume and insulin secretion but preserved glucose tolerance in a growth hormone insensitive pig model.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Growth hormone (GH) is a central regulator of β-cell proliferation, insulin secretion and sensitivity. Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of GH insensitivity on pancreatic β-cell histomorphology and consequences for metabolism in vivo.

Methods

Pancreata from pigs with growth hormone receptor deficiency (GHR-KO, n = 12) were analyzed by unbiased quantitative stereology in comparison to wild-type controls (WT, n = 12) at 3 and 7-8.5 months of age. In vivo secretion capacity for insulin and glucose tolerance were assessed by intravenous glucose tolerance tests (ivGTTs) in GHR-KO (n = 3) and WT (n = 3) pigs of the respective age groups.

Results

Unbiased quantitative stereological analyses revealed a significant reduction in total β-cell volume (83% an

SUBMITTER: Laane L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11513746 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature