Adaptive beta-cell proliferation is severely restricted with advanced age.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Regeneration of the insulin-secreting beta-cells is a fundamental research goal that could benefit patients with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. beta-Cell proliferation can be acutely stimulated by a variety of stimuli in young rodents. However, it is unknown whether this adaptive beta-cell regeneration capacity is retained into old age.

Research design and methods

We assessed adaptive beta-cell proliferation capacity in adult mice across a wide range of ages with a variety of stimuli: partial pancreatectomy, low-dose administration of the beta-cell toxin streptozotocin, and exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist. beta-Cell proliferation was measured by administration of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) in the drinking water.

Results

Basal beta

SUBMITTER: Rankin MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2682671 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature