Introduction: This study investigated the effects of intragastric administration of apelin-13 on the secretion of critical pancreatic hormones in a cohort of three-week-old Wistar rats. The research aimed to uncover apelin's modulatory roles in endocrine interactions dictating metabolic homeostasis during early life.
Material and methods: Rats were randomly assigned to control or experimental groups, receiving apelin-13 or saline for 14 days. The study population consisted of three-week-old Wistar rats of both sexes, weighing between 20 and 25 grams. Histological examination, analysis of variance and t-tests were employed to assess significant differences.
Results: Distinctive alterations in large islet morphology were observed, indicating a notable reduction in size. Additionally, an increase in alpha- and beta-cell density within specific islet sizes was noted, suggesting significant changes in cell populations. The study found a substantial increase in mitotic activity and a decrease in apoptosis in small and medium-sized islets post apelin-13 administration, indicating its potential role in regulating cell survival and proliferation.
Conclusion: The notable reduction in large islet size coupled with increased alpha and beta cell density implies a targeted impact of apelin-13 on pancreatic cell dynamics. Also, the observed increase in mitotic activity and decrease in apoptosis in small and medium-sized islets suggest its potential regulatory role in cell survival and proliferation within the pancreatic microenvironment.
Keywords: apoptosis; diabetes; glucagon; insulin; pancreatic islets.
© 2024 Sylwia Szymańczyk et al., published by Sciendo.