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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
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Coculture Analysis of Extracellular Protein Interactions Affecting Insulin Secretion by Pancreatic Beta Cells
Published on: June 15, 2013
Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia with nesidioblastosis: histologic features and growth factor expression
Kandelaria M Rumilla1, Lori A Erickson, F John Service
1Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55901, USA.
Summary
Nesidioblastosis in adults, a rare cause of hypoglycemia, may be linked to increased growth factors like insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2). This study investigated potential contributing factors in adult nesidioblastosis cases.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Nesidioblastosis is a rare cause of hypoglycemia in adults with unknown pathogenesis.
- Adult nesidioblastosis can be associated with post-gastric bypass surgery or be idiopathic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors contributing to adult nesidioblastosis.
- To investigate the role of growth factors and their receptors in nesidioblastosis pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze pancreatic tissue from 36 adult nesidioblastosis cases and 52 control specimens.
- Antibodies targeted insulin-like growth factor 1, insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), IGF1 receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, transforming growth factor-beta1 and 2, and transforming growth factor-beta receptor type 3.
Main Results:
- Increased expression of IGF2, insulin-like growth factor receptor 1, and transforming growth factor-beta receptor 3 was observed in islets of nesidioblastosis patients compared to controls.
- Peliosis-type vascular ectasia was more prevalent in patients with nesidioblastosis.
Conclusions:
- Elevated production of growth factors and their receptors may play a role in the development of adult nesidioblastosis.
- These findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of this rare condition.
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