Islet cell antibodies in Sulawesi macaques

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.