Insulin- and glucagon-producing cells in the liver and biliary-pancreatic axis of rats with experimentally induced metabolic syndrome.

CONTEXT: The generation of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) as cell replacement therapy for diabetes treatment is challenging.

OBJECTIVE

We have evaluated the presence of insulin-positive (insulin+) and glucagon-positive (glucagon+) cells in hepatocytes, peribiliary glands (PBGs), and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Wistar rats are subjected to a diet including administration of 15% fructose solution for 3 months. Tissue samples are processed for immunohistochemistry with antibodies against insulin, glucagon, ghrelin, somatostatin, PDX1, and SOX9. Blood glucose levels and lipid profile are investigated.

RESULTS

In treated rats, Ins+ and glucagon+ hepatocytes are found around central veins. In PBGs, Ins+ and glucagon+ endocrine cells (ECs) are detected. LSECs show insulin+ and glucagon+ cellular membranes. The nuclei of LSECs in treated rats are SOX9-positive.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experiment of fructose-induced metabolic syndrome shows the appearance of Ins+ and glucagon+ ECs in extrahepatic biliary pathways and hepatocytes. Interestingly, SOX9+ nuclei of LSECs are observed.