Alterations in pancreatic B-, A- and D-cell populations following administration of corticosteroids. Immunocytochemical study in rats.
Prednisolone was administered to two groups of rats for 2 or 4 weeks, respectively. A third group served for control. Serum glucose and insulin levels were measured, and changes in population size along with alterations in staining density of the intracellular granules in pancreatic B-, A- and D-cells were assessed. Two weeks of prednisolone treatment induced significant increases in the staining density of the intracellular granules of B- and D-cells as well as the population size of A-cells, while significant hyperglucosaemia and hyperinsulinaemia were observed. Four weeks of prednisolone administration induced significant increases in population size of B- and D-cells and significant decrease in the population size of A-cells, while hyperglucosaemia and hyperinsulinaemia were even greater. It is concluded that corticosteroids cause an increase in pancreatic B-cell activity and, eventually A-cell numerical atrophy by altering the glucose metabolism. The changes in activity of D-cells possibly reflect functional adaptation to increased B-cell activity.
Zoras
O J
OJ
Surgical Department, Medical School, University of Crete.
Vassilakis
J S
JS
Xynos
E
E
Kittas
C
C
Neonakis
E
E
D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006946:Hyperinsulinism / Q000139:chemically induced; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000633:toxicity*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D011239:Prednisolone