Immuolocalization of nestin in pancreatic tissue of mice at different ages.
OBJECTIVE
To localize nestin positive cells (NPC) in pancreatic tissue of mice of different ages.


METHODS
Paraffin sections of 6-8 mum of fixed pancreatic samples were mounted on poly-L-lysine coated slides and used for Immunolocalization using appropriate primary antibodies (Nestin, Insulin, Glucagon), followed by addition of a fluorescently labeled secondary antibody. The antigen-antibody localization was captured using a confocal microscope (Leica SP 5 series).


RESULTS
In 3-6 d pups, the NPC were localized towards the periphery of the endocrine portion, as evident from immunolocalization of insulin and glucagon, while NPC were absent in the acinar portion. At 2 wk, NPC were localized in both the exocrine and endocrine portions. Interestingly, in 4-wk-old mice NPC were seen only in the endocrine portion, towards the periphery, and were colocalised with the glucagon positive cells. In the pancreas of 8- wk-old mice, the NPC were predominantly localized in the central region of the islet clusters, where immunostaining for insulin was at a maximum.


CONCLUSIONS
We report for the first time the immunolocalization of NPC in the pancreas of mice of different ages (3 d to 8 wk) with reference to insulin and glucagon positive cells. The heterogeneous localization of the NPC observed may be of functional and developmental significance and suggest(s) that mice pancreatic tissue can be a potential source of progenitor cells. NPC from the pancreas can be isolated, proliferated and programmed to differentiate into insulin secreting cells under the appropriate microenvironment.
Dorisetty
Raj-K
RK
Department of Biochemistry, National Institute of Nutrition, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India.
Kiran
Sashi-G
SG
Umrani
Malathi-R
MR
Boindala
Sesikeran
S
Bhonde
Ramesh-R
RR
Venkatesan
Vijayalakshmi
V
D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000378:metabolism*; D005934:Glucagon / Q000378:metabolism; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D064231:Nestin; D010179:Pancreas / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*
D007328:Insulin; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; C577485:Nes protein, mouse; D064231:Nestin; D005934:Glucagon