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The endocrine pancreas in small-for-dates infants
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|October 1, 1977
Insights
Severe fetal growth retardation in pregnancies was linked to reduced fetal endocrine pancreatic tissues and fewer insulin-producing beta cells. This suggests impaired pancreatic development in growth-restricted fetuses.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Perinatology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Severe fetal growth retardation (FGR) poses significant risks to infant health.
- The endocrine pancreas plays a crucial role in fetal glucose regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of severe FGR on the development of fetal endocrine pancreatic tissues.
- To assess the quantity of insulin-producing beta cells in fetuses with severe FGR.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of fetal pancreatic tissue samples.
- Immunohistochemical analysis to identify and quantify insulin-producing beta cells.
Main Results:
- A reduction in the overall size and cellularity of fetal endocrine pancreatic tissues was observed in cases of severe FGR.
- There was a significant decrease in the number and/or size of insulin-producing beta cells within the pancreatic islets.
Conclusions:
- Severe fetal growth retardation is associated with developmental abnormalities of the fetal endocrine pancreas.
- Impaired development of insulin-producing beta cells may contribute to metabolic dysregulation in infants born with severe FGR.
Abstract:
In a small series of pregnancies complicated by severe fetal growth retardation we found reduction of fetal endocrine pancreatic tissues and of the insulin producing beta cells.