We will destroy all beta cells to the ground, and then...
Alpha cells of the pancreas can learn to produce insulinABC Journal based on Nature: Conversion of adult pancreatic α-cells to β-cells after extreme β-cell loss
Alpha cells of the pancreas, which normally do not produce insulin, can be transformed into beta cells that synthesize insulin. This fact of regeneration of beta cells gives hope for the cure of patients with type I diabetes, according to scientists from the University of Geneva.
The main function of alpha cells is the production of the hormone glucagon, which regulates blood sugar levels and works against insulin. Alpha cells are not susceptible to autoimmune processes, as a result of which beta cells are destroyed, which, in fact, is the cause of type I diabetes.
A team of researchers led by Pedro L. Herrera demonstrated in practice the possibility of self-healing of beta cells after almost complete destruction of those in mice. At the same time, most of the new beta cells were formed from former alpha cells.
To prove this, the scientists first treated the animals with a toxin that destroyed their beta cells by more than 99% 15 days after treatment. After that, the alpha cells were labeled with a fluorescent protein, which made it possible to track their transformation into new beta cells.
Interestingly, if diabetic mice underwent insulin therapy, the beta cells recovered slowly, gradually transferring the body to a regime of rejection of insulin substitutes. The process of transformation of alpha into beta cells occurred naturally, without any additional stimulation. The factor triggering the transformation of alpha cells was the almost complete removal of the original population of beta cells. If the destruction of beta was carried out by half or less than 95%, the transformation of alpha cells did not occur.
Scientists believe that if it is possible to understand the mechanisms of reprogramming alpha cells, it will allow us to develop fundamentally new ways of treating type I diabetes.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru07.04.2010