Effects of limited food intake and vitamin C supplementation on pancreatic glucagon and insulin in guinea pigs.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of limited food intake (LFI) (24, 48 and 120 h) and a single i.p. dose of vitamin C supplementation (500 mg/kg) on serum glucose and C-peptide levels, and pancreatic insulin and glucagon levels in guinea pigs. The highest serum glucose levels were found after vitamin C supplementation plus LFI for 48 h (LFI 48). Serum C-peptide levels were not significantly affected by food limitation (LFI 24, LFI 48, or LFI 120) as compared with controls, but when vitamin C was supplemented, the C-peptide levels were moderately enhanced. Immunohistochemical findings on pancreatic islets showed increased staining intensity for both insulin and glucagon when vitamin C was supplemented. In addition, the alpha and beta cells were stimulated, particularly by vitamin C supplementation plus LFI 120. Based on these findings, vitamin C supplementation may have a beneficial effect on the alpha and beta cells.
Department of Physiology, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. bkaplan@mynet.com
B
B
Kaplan
B
B
Gönül
D
D
Erdogan
S
S
Elbeg
D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D002096:C-Peptide / Q000097:blood; D004435:Eating / Q000502:physiology*; D005934:Glucagon / Q000378:metabolism*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism*; D010179:Pancreas / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D002096:C-Peptide; D007328:Insulin; D005934:Glucagon; D001205:Ascorbic Acid