Thrombospondin-1: an islet endothelial cell signal of importance for β-cell function.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Loss of thrombospondin (TSP)-1 in pancreatic islets has been shown to cause islet hyperplasia. This study tested the hypothesis that endothelial-derived TSP-1 is important for β-cell function.

Research design and methods

Islet function was evaluated both in vivo and in vitro. Messenger RNA and protein expression were measured by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. The role of endothelial-derived TSP-1 for β-cell function was determined using a transplantation design in which recipient blood vessels either were allowed to grow or not into the transplanted islets.

Results

TSP-1-deficient mice were glucose intolerant, despite having an increased β-cell mass. Moreover, their islets had decreased glucose-stimulated insulin release, (pro)insulin biosynth

SUBMITTER: Olerud J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3121439 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature