Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) induces morphological and physiological changes in cultured pancreatic β-cells, including the extension of neurite-like processes. This latter effect is potentiated by dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP). β-cells cultured under these conditions maintain their immunoreactivity to insulin and gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA). NGF, dbcAMP, and high glucose concentrations also increase the expression of the GABA-synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 in cultured β-cells. The aim of this work was to study the effect of NGF alone or in combination with dbcAMP on pancreatic β-cell ultrastructural morphology, after 10 days in culture. We used light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy to analyze the modifications in cell surface and neurite-like projections. Morphometric analysis showed that NGF and/or dbcAMP treatment substantially increased the insulin and GABA content in granules and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Given that pancreatic β-cells express NGF receptors and that NGF is synthesized and secreted by β-cells, these results further suggest that NGF could have trophic actions on pancreatic hormone synthesis and/or storage.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 365-378 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Cell and Tissue Research |
Volume | 305 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was supported by grants DGAPA IN208295 and CONACyT 3174P-9607, México
Copyright:
Copyright 2008 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
- Histology
- Cell Biology