Postnatal development of bgr-cells in rats: Proposed explanatory model

Authors: Svenstrup K.1; Skau M.1; Pakkenberg B.2; Buschard K.1; Bock T.

Source: Apmis, Volume 110, Number 5, May 2002 , pp. 372-378(7)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

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Abstract:

The previously shown wave of bgr-cell apoptosis and the apparent plateau in the bgr-cell mass in the third week of life in rats are still unexplained events. Using a novel design-based stereological method we investigated the postnatal development of the bgr-cell population in Sprague-Dawley rats. The total bgr-cell mass increased from postnatal day 4 until day 16, to be followed by a plateau until day 24, after which it increased further. This plateau was caused by bgr-cell hypotrophia as well as decreased net bgr-cell formation. The bgr-cell mass per unit body weight (the relative bgr-cell mass) was five times higher at birth compared with the adult constant level that was reached at approximately 24 days of age. We propose an explanatory model for the postnatal development of the bgr-cell population in rats. According to this model, bgr-cells in the early postnatal period are immature, i.e. are not susceptible to the mechanism that in later life maintains a constant relative bgr-cell mass. Within the following weeks the number of mature bgr-cells increases, and from approximately day 24 and onwards the bgr-cell population is dominated by mature bgr-cells that adjust to match the body weight, keeping a constant relative bgr-cell mass. Findings of an apoptotic wave, a plateau phase in the total bgr-cell mass development, a period with bgr-cell hypotrophia, and the disappearance of insulin-like growth factor II positive bgr-cells at postnatal day 21 all fit well in the model.

Keywords: Pancreas; beta cells; stereology; development

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0463.2002.100502.x

Affiliations: 1: Bartholin Instituttet, H:S Kommunehospitalet, and 2: Research Laboratory for Stereology & Neuroscience, H:S Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark

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