Quantitative ultrastructural changes induced by sucrose administration in the pancreatic B cells of normal hamsters

We have previously reported that young male Syrian hamsters receiving a sucrose-rich diet presented increased B-cell replication rate and size. The aim of the present study was to analyze, under the same experimental conditions, the ultrastructural changes in B cells. For this purpose, young male Syrian hamsters were fed with a commercial diet and 10% sucrose in their drinking water (S group) while the control group (C) received the same diet and tap water, for 5 weeks. Samples of the pancreas removed after that period were processed for the immunohistochemical identification of B cells as well as for measuring several ultrastructural parameters. S hamsters showed higher serum insulin levels, while similar serum glucose values were obtained in animals from both groups. The B cells from S group exhibited lesser number of dense secretory granules at expenses of an increase of the pale ones, increased number of both exocytosis profiles and fusion-granule images, as well as enlargement of the intercellular space and mitochondrial area. Marked expansions of this space, limited by junctional complexes, were observed between adjacent B cells. These results would indicate that sucrose administration to normal hamsters not only increases the pancreatic B-cell mass but also induces measurable subcellular changes in the individual B-cell characteristic of an enhanced secretory activity. The present model would represent a useful tool for testing strategies in preventing the damage or promoting the recovery of the pancreatic B cells.