Quantitative morphometric studies of pancreatic islets obtained from tolbutamide-treated rats

We have developed a computerized system for quantitative morphometric analysis of the number and position of secretory granules and organelles in pancreatic islet beta cells following tolbutamide treatment. Data from animals injected with tolbutamide for 1, 2, and 3 days were compared to tissues obtained from untreated control animals. Pancreatic islets removed by a collagenase technique were perfused with an appropriate medium to restore a basal state. After fixation and embedding, thick sections of beta cells were viewed by electron microscopy. Morphometric studies of randomly selected or serially cut cells were performed with computer programs for digitization, quantify, rotational, and perspective display. Tolbutamide treatment resulted in graded granule depletion which was maximal at 72 hr relative to control animals. Reduced granule density was associated with significant reduction in total cell area or cytoplasmic area, but was without effect on nuclear size. Since granule depletion improved visualization of subcellular structures, this will enable us to pursue studies of exocytosis under a variety of physiological conditions.