Distribution of Islet Hormones in Human Adult Pancreatic Ducts

Abstract

Background/Aims: The source of insulin-secreting cells from adult duct system is attractive, but its clinical practice remains poorly understood. Here, we aimed at identifying the distribution of secreted hormone reactive cells in adult ducts. Methods: Consecutive pancreatic slices from nondiabetic subjects were subjected to immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to screen islet hormones (insulin; glucagon, Glu; somatostatin, Som; pancreatic polypeptide, PP) and exocrine biomarkers (cytokeratin 19, CK19; chromogranin A, CgA; amylase). All pancreatic sections were imaged using an optical or confocal microscope. Results: Immunostaining results showed that insulin was expressed in adult ducts, in which the cell count was more than other islet hormone immunoactive cells. CK19-positive cells are mainly distributed in the ducts, whereas CgA-labeled cells are localized in endocrine cells. The duct branches visibly exhibited cell populations that co-expressed islet hormones in exocrine cell populations. Conclusions: In this report, our findings demonstrate that adult ductal cells that produce insulin may contribute to beta-cell proliferation.

Pdx1 expression up-regulated by Tet-on system induces the mouse embryonic stem cells to pancreatic-like cells through Notch pathway

“…Previous research found that tissues with high Ptf1α expression may differentiate into pancreatic acinar cells in pancreatic development [28]. CK19 is a marker of pancreatic exocrine cells and is expressed mainly in the duct [29]. Neuro D and Pax6 are involved in the regulation of differentiation and maturation of pancreatic endocrine cells [30], and gene mutations of both are related to the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus [31,32].…”

Ameliorative effectiveness of allicin on acetaminophen-induced acute liver damage in mice

“…Some studies show that allicin has anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic activities, and serves as an alternative antioxidant (Ariga & Seki, 2006;Chung, 2006;Li et al, 2015aLi et al, , 2015b. Based on the advantages conferred by allicin, we propose a possible hypothesis that allicin may retard the APAP-induced acute liver damage via attenuating intrahepatic inflammatory stress.…”

“…Overall, these experimental protocols were performed according to the manufacturer's manual (Boster, Wuhan, China) and previous descriptions (Li et al, , 2015b. The liver sections were dewaxed and rehydrated via stepwise concentrations of ethanol and xylene, respectively.…”

Endocrinological characterization of pancreatic ducts in HFD and HGD fed mice

“…More interestingly, our previous human studies show that islet hormone‐producing cells are found in adult pancreatic ductal sections. The insulin‐ immunoreactive cells predominantly localize in terminal ductal branches where the “buds” may retain potential capability for beta‐cell neogenesis . Although some promising evidence reveal differential pathways for beta cells to regenerate, the molecular mechanism responsible for beta‐cell transdifferentiation from pancreatic ducts is not yet completely known.…”