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Evaluation of β‐cell mass and function in the Göttingen minipig
Author(s) -
Larsen M. O.,
Rolin B.,
Raun K.,
Bjerre Knudsen L.,
Gotfredsen C. F.,
Bock T.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.445
H-Index - 128
eISSN - 1463-1326
pISSN - 1462-8902
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2007.00785.x
Subject(s) - neogenesis , beta (programming language) , beta cell , endocrinology , lean body mass , medicine , cell , islet , diabetes mellitus , type 2 diabetes , obesity , function (biology) , biology , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , body weight , biochemistry , computer science , programming language
Increased knowledge about β‐cell mass and function is important for our understanding of the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The relationship between the two is difficult to study in humans, whereas animal models allow studies of consequences of, for example, reduction of β‐cell mass and induction of obesity and procurement of the pancreas for histological examination. An overview of results obtained in the Göttingen minipig in relation to β‐cell function, and mass is provided here. Effects of a primary reduction of β‐cell mass have indicated that not all of the defects of pulsatile insulin secretion in human T2DM can be explained by reduced β‐cell mass. Furthermore, induction of obesity has shown deterioration of β‐cell function and morphological changes in the pancreas. As in humans, obesity leads to an increased β‐cell volume in the minipig, and based on the increased number of islets, neogenesis of islets is an important factor in expansion of β‐cell mass in this species. Measurement of β‐cell function as an estimate of β‐cell mass is, at present, the only method possible in humans, and this approach has been validated using lean and obese minipigs with a range of β‐cell mass. The effects on β‐cell function and mass of obesity of longer duration and/or more pronounced hyperglycaemia remains to be determined, but the models developed so far represent a valuable tool for such investigations.