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Nesidioblastosis associated with hyperglycemia in two squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus)
C S King1, J W Streett, K D Moody
1Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Journal of Medical Primatology
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Nesidioblastosis, a pancreatic condition, was diagnosed in two squirrel monkeys presenting with weight loss and hyperglycemia. Proliferating endocrine cells in the pancreas were primarily glucagon-positive, indicating a potential link to the observed metabolic dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Endocrinology
- Primate Medicine
Background:
- Nesidioblastosis is a condition characterized by the proliferation of islet and ductal cells in the pancreas.
- Metabolic disorders in non-human primates can present diagnostic challenges.
- Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) are common models in biomedical research.
Observation:
- Two wild-caught, adult male squirrel monkeys exhibited progressive weight loss, hyperglycemia, glucosuria, dehydration, hypothermia, and lethargy.
- Clinical evaluation revealed abnormal glucose tolerance test results.
- Pancreatic tissue analysis was performed to investigate the cause of the observed clinical signs.
Findings:
- Nesidioblastosis was diagnosed in both affected squirrel monkeys.
- Immunohistochemical staining of pancreatic tissue showed that proliferating endocrine cells were predominantly glucagon-positive in the most severely affected individual.
- This suggests a potential role for glucagon-producing cells in the pathogenesis of nesidioblastosis in this species.
Implications:
- This case report highlights nesidioblastosis as a differential diagnosis for weight loss and hyperglycemia in squirrel monkeys.
- The findings suggest a potential link between glucagon-producing cells and nesidioblastosis, warranting further investigation.
- Understanding metabolic diseases in non-human primates is crucial for animal welfare and research accuracy.