Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2025

A Method for Mouse Pancreatic Islet Isolation and Intracellular cAMP Determination
Published on: June 25, 2014
Gut-pancreas axis in the control of insulin secretion in streptozotocin-resistant rats
Kazuhiro Nomura1, Yuki Yamasaki2, Kana Takeji1
1Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan.
Abstract:
The Spontaneously Running Tokushima Shikoku (SPORTS) rat is characterized by hyperactive behavior but is also a potential model for studies of the role of the gut-pancreas axis in the regulation of insulin secretion. We here explored the role of ghrelin, a hormone associated with appetite regulation, in insulin dynamics within the context of streptozotocin (STZ) resistance in SPORTS rats. Comprehensive analyses-including histological examinations, gene expression profiling, and assessment of metabolic parameters-revealed that SPORTS rats are resistant to STZ-induced pancreatic injury and that, in addition to low circulating ghrelin levels, they manifest increased circulating levels of active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and upregulated expression of Pdx1 in the pancreas. Ghrelin administration attenuated the STZ resistance of these rats, with suppression of GLP-1 and downregulation of Pdx1 expression being implicated in this effect. Our results highlight the complex interplay among ghrelin, GLP-1, and insulin dynamics, and they suggest potential new therapeutic targets for diabetes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
Insulin and C-peptide are...
Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas
Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by...
Insulin Secretory Vesicles
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment...

