The resident macrophages in murine pancreatic islets are constantly probing their local environment, capturing beta cell granules and blood particles.

ABSTRACT:

Aims/hypothesis

We studied here the interactions between the resident macrophages of pancreatic islets with beta cells and the blood vasculature. We also examined the immunological consequences of such interactions.

Methods

Islets were isolated from C57BL/6 mice expressing CX3C motif chemokine receptor 1-green fluorescent protein (CX3CR-GFP) and examined live by two-photon microscopy. Islets were also examined by electron microscopy to study the relationship of the intra-islet macrophages with the beta cells. In NOD.Rag1^-/- mice and young (non-diabetic) male mice, the acquisition of beta cell granules was tested functionally by probing with CD4⁺ T cells directed against insulin epitopes.

Results

Two-photon microscopy showed that the islet residen

SUBMITTER: Zinselmeyer BH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5938291 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature