Imaging of the islet neural network

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neuroscience
• Histology

Background:

• The islets of Langerhans are crucial for hormone secretion, receiving signals from circulation and nerves.
• Detailed visualization of islet innervation patterns is challenging due to the dispersed neurovascular network.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the development of 3D islet neurohistology for deep-tissue microscopy of pancreatic islets.
• To characterize islet innervation patterns in health and disease, including parasympathetic and sympathetic innervation, reinnervation after transplantation, and Schwann cell responses.

Main Methods:

• Optical clearing of pancreatic specimens to create transparent samples.
• Deep-tissue microscopy to visualize islet microstructure, vasculature, and innervation.
• Application of transmitted light microscopy, vessel painting, and neural marker immunostaining for verification.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful application of 3D islet neurohistology in mouse models.
• Characterized parasympathetic and sympathetic innervation patterns.
• Visualized reinnervation of transplanted islets and the reactive Schwann cell network in islet injury.

Conclusions:

• 3D islet neurohistology provides unprecedented insights into islet neuroanatomy.
• This technique facilitates the study of neural-islet regulatory mechanisms.
• Understanding neural tissue remodeling is vital for studying diabetes development.