Formation of a human β-cell population within pancreatic islets is set early in life.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Insulin resistance can be compensated by increased functional pancreatic β-cell mass; otherwise, diabetes ensues. Such compensation depends not only on environmental and genetic factors but also on the baseline β-cell mass from which the expansion originates.

Objective

Little is known about assembly of a baseline β-cell mass in humans. Here, we examined formation of β-cell populations relative to other pancreatic islet cell types and associated neurons throughout the normal human lifespan.

Design and methods

Human pancreatic sections derived from normal cadavers aged 24 wk premature to 72 yr were examined by immunofluorescence. Insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin were used as markers for β-, α-, and δ-cells, respectively. Cytokeratin-19 marked ductal cells, Ki

SUBMITTER: Gregg BE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3431572 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature