Yuan L, Li Y, Li G, Song Y, Gong X. Ang(1-7) treatment attenuates β-cell dysfunction by improving pancreatic microcirculation in a rat model of Type 2 diabetes.
J Endocrinol Invest 2013;
36:931-7. [PMID:
23640708 DOI:
10.3275/8951]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS
Pancreatic microcirculation plays a pivotal role in the physiological function and survival of β-cells. Ang(1- 7) is a novel component of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) that has beneficial effects on microcirculation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of systemic Ang(1-7) administration (with or without its receptor Mas antagonist A- 779) on pancreatic microcirculation and β-cell function.
METHODS
These effects were studied in vivo using a rat model of Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Pancreatic microcirculation and islet microvessel density were measured; and β-cell function, insulin content, and the apoptosis of islet cells were assessed, respectively. Additionally, we evaluated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and nitric oxide (NO) concentration in islets.
RESULTS
After Ang(1-7) intervention, pancreatic microcirculation and intra-islet microvessel density were significantly improved (p<0.05), and more importantly, first-phase insulin secretion of β-cells as well as relative insulin content in islets were increased, and the amount of apoptotic islet cells was decreased (p<0.05). And eNOS expression and NO release were up-regulated in pancreatic islets by Ang(1-7) administration (p<0.05). These positive effects of Ang(1-7) were prevented by the addition of A-779 (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that systemic Ang(1-7) treatment could attenuate β-cell dysfunction and ameliorate islet cell apoptosis in T2DM rats by improving pancreatic microcirculation, perhaps through the mechanism of endothelial vasodilation.
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