Increased density of inhibitory noradrenergic parenchymal nerve fibers in hypertrophic islets of Langerhans of obese mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aim

We sought to identify mechanisms of beta cell failure in genetically obese mice. Little is known about the role of pancreatic innervation in the progression of beta cell failure. In this work we studied adrenergic innervation, in view of its potent inhibitory effect on insulin secretion. We analyzed genetically obese ob/ob and db/db mice at different ages (6- and 15-week-old), corresponding to different compensatory stages in the course of beta cell dysfunction. 15 week-old HFD mice were also studied.

Methods and results

All mice were characterized by measures of plasma glucose, insulin, and HOMA. After perfusion, pancreata were dissected and studied by light microscopy, electron microscopy, and morphometry. Insulin, Tyrosine Hydroxylase-positive fibers an

SUBMITTER: Giannulis I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4082304 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature