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Islet cell antibodies in Sulawesi macaques.
C F Howard1, T Y Fang, C Southwick
1Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, Beaverton, USA.
American Journal of Primatology
|March 13, 1999
Summary
Older Sulawesian monkeys develop diabetes due to pancreatic islet lesions. Islet cell antibodies (ICA) indicate this condition, suggesting it occurs naturally in wild populations.
Area of Science:
- Primatology
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Older Macaca nigra monkeys spontaneously develop pancreatic islet lesions, amyloid deposition, and cell degeneration, potentially leading to diabetes mellitus.
- Islet cell antibodies (ICA) are biomarkers for detecting islet lesions and monitoring diabetes progression in M. nigra.
- The occurrence of these islet lesions in wild Sulawesian monkeys remains uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of islet cell antibodies (ICA) in wild Sulawesian monkeys (M. maurus, M. tonkeana, and hybrids).
- To determine if the islet lesion associated with diabetes development occurs in these monkeys in their natural habitat.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from M. maurus, M. tonkeana, and hybrid M. maurus/tonkeana.
- Samples were assayed for islet cell antibodies (ICA) targeting beta, alpha, and D cells.
Main Results:
- 33% of all tested monkeys showed ICA positivity against beta cells.
- 14% of all tested monkeys showed ICA positivity against alpha and/or D cells.
- ICA prevalence was similar between males and females and comparable to captive M. nigra.
Conclusions:
- The presence of ICA in wild Sulawesian monkeys suggests that islet lesions and potential diabetes development occur in their natural habitat.
- Shared genetic heritage among Sulawesian macaques supports the natural occurrence of these lesions.
- The underlying causes for lesion formation and diabetes remain unknown, with possibilities including genetic factors or environmental influences.