Effect of All‐trans Retinoic Acid on the Pancreas of Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Rat

This study aimed to detect the role of atRA in improving the histological changes of the pancreas in diabetic rats. Forty young male Wistar rats were used and divided into 3 groups. Group I: normal vehicle control (n = 5). Group II: streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats (n = 20) were followed up at 0.0, 1, 2 and 4 weeks. Group III: streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats (n = 15) treated with atRA (2.5 mg/kg/day), were followed up at 1, 2 and 4 weeks. Specimens from the pancreas were processed for light, electron microscopy and pancreatic insulin mRNA expression. Blood samples were assayed for the levels of glucose, insulin, and total peroxides. In the atRA‐treated group, the number of the islets and the islet area significantly increased. Strong insulin‐immunoreactive endocrine‐like cells were observed nearby the pancreatic acini and the interlobular ducts. Interestingly, insulin‐positive cells seemed to arise from pancreatic acinar and ductal epithelium. Ultrastructurally, ß‐cells, acinar and ductal cells restored their normal appearance. Pancreatic insulin mRNA and blood indices were almost normalized. AtRA improved the histological changes of the pancreas and the blood indices in diabetic rats. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Source: The Anatomical Record Part B: The New Anatomist - Category: Anatomy Authors: Tags: Full Length Article Source Type: research