The islet endothelial cell: a novel contributor to beta cell secretory dysfunction in diabetes.

ABSTRACT: The pancreatic islet is highly vascularised, with an extensive capillary network. In addition to providing nutrients and oxygen to islet endocrine cells and transporting hormones to the peripheral circulation, islet capillaries (comprised primarily of islet endothelial cells) are an important source of signals that enhance survival and function of the islet beta cell. In type 2 diabetes, and animal models thereof, evidence exists of morphological and functional abnormalities in these islet endothelial cells. In diabetes, islet capillaries are thickened, dilated and fragmented, and islet endothelial cells express markers of inflammation and activation. In vitro data suggest that this dysfunctional islet endothelial phenotype may contribute to impaired insulin release from the beta cell. Thi

SUBMITTER: Hogan MF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5505567 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature