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Updated: Aug 29, 2025
Near Infrared Optical Projection Tomography for Assessments of β-cell Mass Distribution in Diabetes Research
Published on: January 12, 2013
Quantitative 3D OPT and LSFM datasets of pancreata from mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes
Max Hahn1, Christoffer Nord2, Pim P van Krieken3
1Umeå Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. Max.Hahn@umu.se.
Abstract:
Mouse models for streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes probably represent the most widely used systems for preclinical diabetes research, owing to the compound's toxic effect on pancreatic β-cells. However, a comprehensive view of pancreatic β-cell mass distribution subject to STZ administration is lacking. Previous assessments have largely relied on the extrapolation of stereological sections, which provide limited 3D-spatial and quantitative information. This data descriptor presents multiple ex vivo tomographic optical image datasets of the full β-cell mass distribution in mice subject to single high and multiple low doses of STZ administration, and in glycaemia recovered mice. The data further include information about structural features, such as individual islet β-cell volumes, spatial coordinates, and shape as well as signal intensities for both insulin and GLUT2. Together, they provide the most comprehensive anatomical record of the effects of STZ administration on the islet of Langerhans in mice. As such, this data descriptor may serve as reference material to facilitate the planning, use and (re)interpretation of this widely used disease model.
Insights
Streptozotocin (STZ) mouse models are crucial for diabetes research. This study provides detailed 3D imaging of pancreatic beta-cell mass distribution after STZ administration, offering a comprehensive anatomical record.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Preclinical Research Models
- Diabetes Mellitus Research
Background:
- Streptozotocin (STZ) is widely used to induce diabetes in mouse models.
- Previous studies lack comprehensive 3D spatial and quantitative data on pancreatic beta-cell mass distribution following STZ administration.
- Stereological section extrapolation limits detailed anatomical understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present detailed ex vivo tomographic optical image datasets of full beta-cell mass distribution in STZ-treated mice.
- To provide comprehensive anatomical records of STZ's effects on pancreatic islets.
- To serve as reference material for the interpretation of STZ-induced diabetes models.
Main Methods:
- Ex vivo tomographic optical imaging of mouse pancreas.
- Analysis of beta-cell mass distribution after single high and multiple low doses of STZ.
- Quantification of islet structural features, including beta-cell volume, spatial coordinates, shape, and signal intensities for insulin and GLUT2.
Main Results:
- Detailed 3D datasets of beta-cell mass distribution are presented for various STZ administration protocols.
- Comprehensive anatomical data on islet structure, beta-cell volume, and molecular markers (insulin, GLUT2) are provided.
- The data captures effects of STZ on islets in both diabetic and glycaemia-recovered mice.
Conclusions:
- This data descriptor offers the most comprehensive anatomical record of STZ's impact on mouse pancreatic islets to date.
- The provided datasets facilitate a deeper understanding and reinterpretation of STZ-induced diabetes models.
- This resource aids in the planning and utilization of preclinical diabetes research using STZ models.
