Insulin synthesis can be seen in the eyes

The secretion of insulin by beta cells, which are part of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas, is a complex process, the violation of which leads to the development of diabetes. In order to successfully eliminate defects in beta cells, specialists need to study the details of their functioning under normal conditions and identify all signaling mechanisms that affect insulin secretion. Until now, most of the research in this area has been carried out in laboratory conditions, and not in a living organism.

Scientists from the Karolinska Institute (Sweden) and the University of Miami have for the first time developed a method for observing the processes occurring in beta cells in living animals.

The new experimental model is based on transplantation of Langerhans islet cells into the anterior chamber of the mouse eye. These cells quickly integrate into the iris, which provides them with the necessary blood supply and innervation. The eye acts as a "window" through which complex processes occurring at the cellular level can be observed for a long time without the need to operate on the animal. As a result, scientists are able to use a microscope to register changes in the levels of specific cellular markers, which provides them with a detailed picture of the functioning of various signaling systems and their role in regulating the activity of beta cells, as well as maintaining their viability in a living healthy organism.

The developed approach will help clarify several aspects of the development of diabetes, including changes in gene expression and the formation of blood vessels and nerves in insulin-producing areas of the pancreas. In addition, it can be useful when testing new drugs on animals. The authors believe that similar experimental models can be created for many other diseases.

Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of ScienceDaily

13.03.2008