Large reduction in the number of galanin-immunoreactive cells in pancreatic islets of diabetic rats

E. Adeghate, A. S. Ponery

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44 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Although galanin has been shown to be present in pancreatic islet cells, there is no literature available on the pattern of distribution and the effect of galanin in the pancreas of diabetic animals or human models. The aim of this study was to examine whether galanin immunoreactivity changes after the onset of diabetes mellitus in the rat model. The present study used immunohistochemical techniques to examine the pattern of distribution of galanin-like immunoreactive cells in the pancreas of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The effect of galanin on insulin secretion from intact rat pancreatic tissue fragments was also investigated using a radioimmunoassay technique. Numerous galanin-like immunoreactive cells were observed in both the peripheral and central regions of the islet of Langerhans of normal rat pancreas. By contrast, the islets of diabetic rat pancreas contained significantly (P<0.0001) fewer galanin-like immunoreactive cells than nondiabetic rats. Galanin was colocalized with insulin in the islets of normal and diabetic rats. Galanin had an inhibitory effect on insulin secretion from the isolated pancreatic tissue fragments of normal and diabetic rats at all concentrations (10-12 to 10-6 M) employed. Galanin at 10-9 M caused a significant (P<0.02) decrease in insulin secretion from normal rat pancreatic tissue fragments compared to basal. These observations indicate that galanin may play a significant role in the regulation of insulin secretion.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)706-710
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Neuroendocrinology
Volume13
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2001

Keywords

  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Galanin
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Insulin secretion
  • Pancreas
  • Radioimmunoassay

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology
  • Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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