Hyperglycemia influences the cell proliferation and death of the rat endocrine pancreas in the neonatal period

Author(s)

Barco, Vinicius S. ; Gallego, Franciane Q. ; Miranda, Carolina A. ; Souza, Maysa R. ; Volpato, Gustavo T. ; Damasceno, Debora C.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Life Sciences; v. 351, p. 8-pg., 2024-06-21.

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the cell proliferation and death, and structural morphology of the pancreatic islet cells of the rats with hyperglycemia in the first month of life and compare to those of the control rats. Main methods: Female Sprague-Dawley newborn rats received Streptozotocin (a beta-cytotoxic drug) at birth for diabetes induction. Control and hyperglycemic animals were euthanized on different days of life: 5, 10, 15, and 30. The pancreas was collected and processed for immunohistochemical analysis of cleaved Caspase-3 (cell death), Ki-67 (cell proliferation), PDX-1 (transcription factor responsible for insulin synthesis), and endocrine hormones (insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin). Key findings: Control females showed a higher percentage (%) of Ki-67-positive( + ) cells on D10 and D15, a higher % of insulin + and somatostatin + cells on D15 and D30, a lower % of PDX-1 + cells on D10, and a higher % of glucagon + cells on D10 and D30. Hyperglycemic females showed a lower % of Ki-67 + cells on D15, a higher % of cleaved Caspase-3 + cells on D15, and insulin + cells on D15 and D30. In the comparison among the experimental groups, the hyperglycemic females showed an increased % of cleaved Caspase-3 + and Ki-67 + cells and a lower % of PDX-1 + cells. Significance: This study enabled a better understanding of the abnormal pancreas development regarding cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and hormonal synthesis in the neonatal period. Thus, the pancreatic islets of hyperglycemic rats do not reestablish the normal endocrine cell population, and cellular apoptosis overcame the proliferative activity of these cells. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/25207-5 - Evaluation of offspring exposed to mildly diabetic intrauterine millieu, submitted to postnatal hyperlipid diet and treated with a mixture of calcium and vitamin D during pregnancy.
• Grantee: Débora Cristina Damasceno
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/15499-0 - INTERGENERATIONAL REPERCUSSIONS OF VITAMIN D COMBINED WITH INSULIN IN RATS WITH PRE-GESTATIONAL DIABETES
• Grantee: Vinícius Soares Barco
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate