Abstract
Insulinomas are pancreatic endocrine tumours consisting of neoplastic beta cells. Together with adrenal gland tumours, insulinomas represent the two most common endocrine neoplasia in the pet ferret.1 However, whereas extensive research has been performed into hyperadrenocorticism, research into insulinomas is currently in its infancy. To increase our understanding of the tumourigenesis of insulinomas, cell lines may be useful by providing in vitro information on the proliferation and differentiation of the tumour cells. Recently, the first ferret insulinoma cell lines were established using tumour cells retrieved from a primary insulinoma and its lymph node metastasis. Using MTT-assays, quantitative real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry and different cell culturing methods, it was demonstrated that these cells are capable of forming tumourspheres, which is considered to be a stem cell characteristic. In addition, Pancreatic Duodenal homeobox 1 – an important factor in the pancreatic development and transcription of insulin2 – was one of the beta cell markers to be expressed by these cells.
In addition to the aforementioned characterization, a functional analysis was performed to demonstrate presence of insulin in the tumour cells as well as evaluate whether cells would secrete insulin in response to glucose stimulation. Although no insulin could be detected in the supernatant after stimulation with glucose, immunocytochemistry did reveal its presence in the cells. Results of these studies indicate that the ferret insulinoma cell lines possess important characteristics of an insulinoma, thereby serving as a valuable tool for future research into the etiopathogenesis of beta-cell proliferation.
In addition to the aforementioned characterization, a functional analysis was performed to demonstrate presence of insulin in the tumour cells as well as evaluate whether cells would secrete insulin in response to glucose stimulation. Although no insulin could be detected in the supernatant after stimulation with glucose, immunocytochemistry did reveal its presence in the cells. Results of these studies indicate that the ferret insulinoma cell lines possess important characteristics of an insulinoma, thereby serving as a valuable tool for future research into the etiopathogenesis of beta-cell proliferation.
Original language | English |
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Pages | 367 |
Number of pages | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 21 Apr 2015 |
Event | 2nd international conference on avian, herpetological and exotic small mammal medicine (ICARE) - Paris, France Duration: 18 Apr 2015 → 23 Apr 2015 |
Conference
Conference | 2nd international conference on avian, herpetological and exotic small mammal medicine (ICARE) |
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Country/Territory | France |
City | Paris |
Period | 18/04/15 → 23/04/15 |