Effects of insulin insufficiency on forelimb and tail regeneration in adultDiemictylus viridescens

Abstract

ABSTRACTExperimental diabetes caused by pancreatectomy resulted in a marked interference in limb and tail regeneration in adult newts. Under pancreatic insufficiency, throughout the entire period of regeneration, limb and tail regenerates (26 days old) consistently showed sparse population of blastema cells, while older regenerates (58–79 days) exhibited severe abnormalities. Newts with these abnormal regenerates always had an atrophied pancreas. In the event that the cauterized pancreas regenerated, there was a subsequent recuperation in the regeneration processes of the appendages. Our data strongly indicates that a correlation exists between the normal (intact) pancreas and regeneration of the limb and tail in the adult newt.In addition, alloxanization inhibited normal limb and tail regeneration. Again, recuperation of the pancreas from the effects of alloxan was followed by restoration of limb and tail regeneration. These results suggest an insulin role in the hormone control of regeneration. The possible actions of insulin are discussed.