Placental lactogens induce serotonin biosynthesis in a subset of mouse beta cells during pregnancy.

ABSTRACT:

Aims/hypothesis

Upregulation of the functional beta cell mass is required to match the physiological demands of mother and fetus during pregnancy. This increase is dependent on placental lactogens (PLs) and prolactin receptors, but the mechanisms underlying these events are only partially understood. We studied the mRNA expression profile of mouse islets during pregnancy to gain a better insight into these changes.

Methods

RNA expression was measured ex vivo via microarrays and quantitative RT-PCR. In vivo observations were extended by in vitro models in which ovine PL was added to cultured mouse islets and MIN6 cells.

Results

mRNA encoding both isoforms of the rate-limiting enzyme of serotonin biosynthesis, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), i.e. Tph1 and Tph2, were stron

SUBMITTER: Schraenen A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2974930 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature