Diabetic BB Rats Research Articles

Adult kidney explants is a physiologic model for studying diabetic nephropathy

Inflammatory processes play a central role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in the early stages of the disease. In vitro approach using cell lines help to understand the mechanisms involves and allow the molecular and biochemical processes. Adult kidney (AK) explants remain an essential instrument for advancing our understanding of the molecular and cellular regulation of signalling pathways from an organotipic view with physiological system interaction integrated. AK explants from T1DM animal model (BB rat) are obtained by slicing central kidney area preserving the organ's cytoarchitecture and reproduce the classical events detected during the DN in an in vivo model such as inflammation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes by the modulation of a-SMA and e-Cadherin among others which have been determined by qRT-PCR, western-blot and immunohistochemistry. In this regard, AK explants reproduce the signalling pathways involve in DN progression (proinflammatory NFkB and inflammasome complex). This work demonstrates AK explants is a physiological experimental approach for studying the development and progression of DN. Furthermore, the inflammatory processes in AK explants under a diabetic environment and/or BB rats could be modulated by potential treatments for DN.

Anti-Inflammatory (M2) Response Is Induced by a sp2-Iminosugar Glycolipid Sulfoxide in Diabetic Retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common complications of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and is directly associated with inflammatory processes. Currently, neuro-inflammation is considered an early event in DR and proceeds via microglia polarization. A hallmark of DR is the presence of retinal reactive gliosis. Here we report the beneficial effect of (S S,1R)-1-docecylsulfiny-5N,6O-oxomethylidenenojirimycin ((Ss)-DS-ONJ), a member of the sp2-iminosugar glycolipid (sp2-IGL) family, by decreasing iNOS and inflammasome activation in Bv.2 microglial cells exposed to pro-inflammatory stimuli. Moreover, pretreatment with (Ss)-DS-ONJ increased Heme-oxygenase (HO)-1 as well as interleukin 10 (IL10) expression in LPS-stimulated microglial cells, thereby promoting M2 (anti-inflammatory) response by the induction of Arginase-1. The results strongly suggest that this is the likely molecular mechanism involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of (S S)-DS-ONJ in microglia. (S S)-DS-ONJ further reduced gliosis in retinal explants from type 1 diabetic BB rats, which is consistent with the enhanced M2 response. In conclusion, targeting microglia polarization dynamics in M2 status by compounds with anti-inflammatory activities offers promising therapeutic interventions at early stages of DR.

The Vbeta13 T Cell Receptor Monoclonal Antibody Reduces Hyaluronan and CD68+, CD3+, and CD8+ Cell Infiltrations to Delay Diabetes in Congenic BB DRLyp/Lyp Rats.

The depleting Vβ13a T cell receptor monoclonal antibody (mAb) 17D5 prevents both induced and spontaneous autoimmune diabetes in BB rats. Here it was tested in congenic DRLyp/Lyp rats, all of which spontaneously developed diabetes. Starting at 40 days of age, rats were injected once weekly with either saline, His42 Vβ16 mAb, or 17D5 mAb and monitored for hyperglycemia. Diabetes occurred in 100% (n = 5/5) of saline-treated rats (median age, 66 days; range 55–73), and in 100% (n = 6/6) of His42-treated rats (median age, 69 days; range 59–69). Diabetes occurred in fewer (n = 8/11, 73%) 17D5-treated rats at a later age (median 76 days, range 60–92). Three (27%) of the 17D5-treated rats were killed at 101–103 days of age without diabetes (17D5 no-diabetes rats). Survival analysis demonstrated that 17D5 mAb delayed diabetes onset. Saline- and His42-treated rats had severely distorted islets with substantial loss of insulin-positive cells. These rats exhibited prominent hyaluronan (HA) staining, with the intra-islet HA+ accumulations measuring 5,000 ± 2,400 µm2 and occupying 36 ± 12% of islet area, and severe (grade 4) insulitis with abundant infiltration by CD68+, CD3+, and CD8+ cells. The 17D5 mAb-treated rats with delayed diabetes onset exhibited less severe insulitis (predominantly grade 3). In contrast, the 17D5 no-diabetes rats had mostly normal islets, with insulin+ cells representing 76 ± 3% of islet cells. In these rats, the islet HA deposits were significantly smaller than in the diabetic rats; the intra-islet HA+ areas were 1,200 ± 300 µm2 and accounted for 8 ± 1% of islet area. Also, islet-associated CD68+ and CD3+ cells occurred less frequently (on average in 60 and 3% of the islets, respectively) than in the diabetes rats (present in >95% of the islets). No CD8+ cells were detected in islets in all 17D5 no-diabetes rats. We conclude that mAb 17D5 delayed diabetes in DRLyp/Lyp rats and markedly reduced expression of HA and concomitant infiltration of CD68+, CD3+, and CD8+ cells. Our findings underscore the importance of refining immune suppression in prevention or intervention clinical trials to use mAb reagents that are directed against specific T cell receptors.

Expression of Activating Transcription Factor 3 (ATF 3) and caspase 3 in Schwann cells and axonal outgrowth after sciatic nerve repair in diabetic BB rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate nerve regeneration in relation to the transcription factor, Activating Transcription Factor 3 (ATF 3), and an apoptotic marker, caspase 3, in the Schwann cells of diabetic BB rats (i.e. display type 1 diabetes phenotype). Sciatic nerves in healthy Wistar rats and in diabetic BB rats were transected and immediately repaired. Axonal outgrowth (neurofilament staining) and expression of ATF 3 and caspase 3 were quantified by immunohistochemistry after six days. There was no difference in axonal outgrowth between healthy and diabetic rats. However, the sciatic nerve in the diabetic rats exhibited a larger number of ATF 3 expressing Schwann cells at the site of the lesion and also a higher number of caspase 3 expressing Schwann cells. Similar differences were observed in the distal nerve segment between the healthy and diabetic rats. There were no correlations between the number of Schwann cells expressing ATF 3 and caspase 3. Thus, diabetic BB rats display an increased activation of ATF 3 and also a rise in apoptotic caspase 3 expressing Schwann cells, but with no discrepancy in length of axonal outgrowth after nerve injury and repair at six days. Knowledge about signal transduction mechanisms in diabetes after stress may provide new insights into the development of diabetic neuropathy and neuropathic pain.

Analysis of Changes in Nitric Oxide Synthase Signaling in BB/WOR Diabetic Prostate

Purpose: Diabetes is associated with increased lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) severity. An underlying cause of LUTS is increased prostate smooth muscle tone. A critical regulator of prostate innervation and tone is nitric oxide (NO), produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Since NO regulates proliferation and relaxation, and NOS signaling is altered in patients with LUTS, we propose that decreased NO in diabetic patients leads to increased LUTS. We examined this hypothesis by quantifying changes in NOS signaling in the BB/WOR diabetic rat prostate. Materials and Methods:Protein and RNA abundance and localization of NOS I, -II and -III were examined in control and diabetic BB rat prostate by Real time RT-PCR, Western, immunohistochemical analysis and in situ.Morphological changes were examined by electron microscopy (EM), and TUNEL. Results:NosIII is the most abundant isoform in ventral and dorsal prostate. NOS I, -II and -III protein and RNA localize to ductal epithelium. NOS III protein and RNA were significantly decreased in diabetic prostate. Apoptosis was increased in diabetic dorsal prostate. EM of the diabetic dorsal prostate showed abundant protein filled vacuoles and abnormal cytoplasmic morphology indicative of apoptosis. Conclusions:Since NOS III is the most abundant form of NOS in the prostate diabetes may contribute to LUTS severity by down regulating NO, which may lead to increased proliferation in ductal epithelium

Increased GABAergic Output in the Ventromedial Hypothalamus Contributes to Impaired Hypoglycemic Counterregulation in Diabetic Rats

OBJECTIVEImpaired glucose counterregulation during hypoglycemia is well documented in patients with type 1 diabetes; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this defect remain uncertain. We reported that the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), in a crucial glucose-sensing region within the brain, the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), plays an important role in modulating the magnitude of the glucagon and epinephrine responses to hypoglycemia and investigated whether VMH GABAergic tone is altered in diabetes and therefore might contribute to defective counterregulatory responses.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSWe used immunoblots to measure GAD65 protein (a rate-limiting enzyme in GABA synthesis) and microdialysis to measure extracellular GABA levels in the VMH of two diabetic rat models, the diabetic BB rat and the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat, and compared them with nondiabetic controls.RESULTSBoth diabetic rat models exhibited an ~50% increase in GAD65 protein as well as a twofold increase in VMH GABA levels compared with controls under baseline conditions. Moreover, during hypoglycemia, VMH GABA levels did not change in the diabetic animals, whereas they significantly declined in nondiabetic animals. As expected, glucagon responses were absent and epinephrine responses were attenuated in diabetic rats compared with their nondiabetic control counterparts. The defective counterregulatory response in STZ-diabetic animals was restored to normal with either local blockade of GABAA receptors or knockdown of GAD65 in the VMH.CONCLUSIONSThese data suggest that increased VMH GABAergic inhibition is an important contributor to the absent glucagon response to hypoglycemia and the development of counterregulatory failure in type 1 diabetes.

Serum metabolite signature predicts the acute onset of diabetes in spontaneously diabetic congenic BB rats

The clinical presentation of type 1 diabetes is preceded by a prodrome of beta cell autoimmunity. We probed the short period of subtle metabolic abnormalities, which precede the acute onset of diabetes in the spontaneously diabetic BB rat, by analyzing the serum metabolite profile detected with combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). We found that the metabolite pattern prior to diabetes included 17 metabolites, which differed between individual diabetes prone (DP) BB rats and their age and sex matched diabetes resistant (DR) littermates. As the metabolite signature at the 40 days of age baseline failed to distinguish DP from DR, there was a brief 10-day period after which the diabetes prediction pattern was observed, that includes fatty acids (e.g. oleamide), phospholipids (e.g. phosphocholines) and amino acids (e.g. isoleucine). It is concluded that distinct changes in the serum metabolite pattern predict type 1 diabetes and precede the appearance of insulitis in spontaneously diabetic BB DP rats. This observation should prove useful to dissect mechanisms of type 1 diabetes.

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in spontaneously diabetic rats with and without application of EGb 761.

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy causes abnormalities in the diabetic heart with various clinical sequelae, including exercise intolerance, arrhythmias and painless myocardial infarction. Little is known about (ultra)structural alterations of the myocardial nervous network. On the assumption that this diabetes-specific neuropathy develops due to permanently increased oxidative stress by liberation of oxygen-free radicals, adjuvant application of antioxidative therapeutics appears promising in preventing or delaying long-term diabetic complications. We have investigated the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761), a radical scavenger, against diabetes-induced myocardial nervous damage in spontaneously diabetic BioBreeding/Ottawa Karlsburg (BB/OK) rats. Morphological and morphometric parameters were evaluated by electron microscopy. We used immunohistochemistry to investigate protein expression of protein gene product 9.5, S100 protein, and thyroxin hydroxylase as a neuronal marker. Alterations of cardiac sympathetic activity were measured using the in vivo 123I-metaiodobenzyl-guanidine imaging, and the immunofluorescent labeling of beta1-adrenergic receptors and adenylate cyclase. Our results revealed that A) Diabetes results in slight to moderate ultrastructural alterations (hydrops, disintegration of substructure) of autonomic nerve fibers and related Schwann cells in untreated BB diabetic rats; B) Cardiac sympathetic integrity and activity is impaired due to alterations in the presynaptic nerve terminals and the postsynaptic ß1-AR-AC coupling system; C) Pre-treatment of diabetic myocardium with EGb results in an improvement of most of these parameters compared to unprotected myocardium. In conclusion, EGb may act as a potent therapeutic adjuvant in diabetics with respect to cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, which may contribute to the prevention of late complications in diabetes.

Leptin treatment confers clinical benefit at multiple stages of virally induced type 1 diabetes in BB rats

The adipokine, leptin, regulates blood glucose and the insulin secretory function of beta cells, while also modulating immune cell function. We hypothesized that the dual effects of leptin may prevent or suppress the autoreactive destruction of beta cells in a virally induced rodent model of type 1 diabetes. Nearly 100% of weanling BBDR rats treated with the combination of an innate immune system activator, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (pIC), and Kilham rat virus (KRV) become diabetic within a predictable time frame. We utilized this model to test the efficacy of leptin in preventing diabetes onset, remitting new onset disease, and preventing autoimmune recurrence in diabetic rats transplanted with syngeneic islet grafts. High doses of leptin delivered via an adenovirus vector (AdLeptin) or alzet pump prevented diabetes in>90% of rats treated with pIC+KRV. The serum hyperleptinemia generated by this treatment was associated with decreased body weight, decreased non-fasting serum insulin levels, and lack of islet insulitis in leptin-treated rats. In new onset diabetics, hyperleptinemia prevented rapid weight loss and diabetic ketoacidosis, and temporarily restored euglycemia. Leptin treatment also prolonged the survival of syngeneic islets transplanted into diabetic BBDR rats. In diverse therapeutic settings, we found leptin treatment to have significant beneficial effects in modulating virally induced diabetes. These findings merit further evaluation of leptin as a potential adjunct therapeutic agent for treatment of human type 1 diabetes.

Humoral-Mediated Anti-Islet Cytotoxicity in Diabetes-Prone BB/OK Rats-Effect on β-Cell Function and Autologous Islets1, 2)

The present study investigates whether sera from diabetic BB/OK rats impair beta-cell-specific functions of rat pancreatic islets and whether humoral-mediated cytotoxicity in BB rat sera also affects the autologous islets of normoglycaemic serum donors. Exposure of neonatal rat islets of Langerhans for 20 h to sera from diabetic BB rats and rabbit complement resulted in a decrease in insulin content and in insulin release upon glucose stimulation. However, the extent of islet alterations caused by sera from various BB rats was different as revealed by comparison of the ability of beta-cells to restore their functions during a 48 h recovery period. While the effect of some of the sera was completely reversible, in other cases the insulin content and/or the secretory capacity of the islets could not be fully restored indicating partially irreversible islet alterations due to pretreatment with cytotoxic BB rat serum. The potential effect of anti-islet cytotoxicity in BB rat sera against autologous islets of the serum donor indicated by enhanced 51Cr-release in the presence of rabbit complement was proven in 50% (6/12) of the investigated normoglycaemic BB/OK rats. These results suggest that humoral-mediated cytotoxicity may contribute to beta-cell alteration in this model of diabetes.

Genetic studies of IDDM in BB rats: the incidence of diabetes in F2 and first backcross hybrids allows rejection of the recessive hypothesis.

The BB rat spontaneously develops an IDDM with many analogies to human IDDM, i.e. the genetic basis is a puzzle, since more than one mode of inheritance of IDDM in BB rats has been proposed. These different proposals reflect the heterogeneity of BB rats used for genetic studies. This prompted us to investigate the inheritance of IDDM in two subpopulations of BB rats (BB/OK and BB/PhiK) by crossing studies with the production of (diabetic BB x LEW 1.A) F1, F2 generations and of first backcross hybrids onto BB (B1BB) and LEW.1A (B1A) rats respectively. Both BB rat subpopulations were different in origin, degree of inbreeding, incidence and age at onset of diabetes and in certain immunologic, metabolic and hematologic traits. All hybrids were serotyped and checked for diabetes by determination of urine and plasma glucose twice weekly up to an age of 200 days. None of the F1 and B1A hybrids developed diabetes. Some cases were observed in the F2 hybrids with a different incidence in the two subpopulations (2.3% in BB/OK, 11.0% in BB/PhiK). The percentage of diabetes in the B1BB hybrids was 13.8% (BB/OK) and 24.0% (BB/PhiK) respectively. All diabetic hybrids were characterized by at least one RT1uv haplotype which was derived from the original BB animals. These results demonstrated clearly (1) that the mode of inheritance depends on the genotype of the animals observed and (2) simple autosomal-recessive genetics cannot be accepted for BB rat diabetes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cross of spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and spontaneously diabetic BB rat as a tool for genetic dissection of hypertension

Cross of spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and spontaneously diabetic BB rat as a tool for genetic dissection of hypertension

Hypothalamic AMP-activated protein kinase activation with AICAR amplifies counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia in a rodent model of type 1 diabetes

In nondiabetic rodents, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a role in the glucose-sensing mechanism used by the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), a key brain region involved in the detection of hypoglycemia. However, AMPK is regulated by both hyper- and hypoglycemia, so whether AMPK plays a similar role in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is unknown. To address this issue, we used four groups of chronically catheterized male diabetic BB rats, a rodent model of autoimmune T1DM with established insulin-requiring diabetes (40 +/- 4 pmol/l basal c-peptide). Two groups were subjected to 3 days of recurrent hypoglycemia (RH), while the other two groups were kept hyperglycemic [chronic hyperglycemia (CH)]. All groups subsequently underwent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemic clamp studies on day 4 in conjunction with VMH microinjection with either saline (control) or AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide) to activate AMPK. Compared with controls, local VMH application of AICAR during hypoglycemia amplified both glucagon [means +/- SE, area under the curve over time (AUC/t) 144 +/- 43 vs. 50 +/- 11 ng.l(-1).min(-1); P < 0.05] and epinephrine [4.27 +/- 0.96 vs. 1.06 +/- 0.26 nmol.l(-1).min(-1); P < 0.05] responses in RH-BB rats, and amplified the glucagon [151 +/- 22 vs. 85 +/- 22 ng.l(-1).min(-1); P < 0.05] response in CH-BB rats. We conclude that VMH AMPK also plays a role in glucose-sensing during hypoglycemia in a rodent model of T1DM. Moreover, our data suggest that it may be possible to partially restore the hypoglycemia-specific glucagon secretory defect characteristic of T1DM through manipulation of VMH AMPK.

The emerging roles of PAF acetylhydrolase

Platelet-activating factor (PAF), a phospholipid autacoid with potent effects throughout the innate immune system, is selectively degraded by two small families of PAF acetylhydrolases (PAF-AHs). These Ca2+-independent phospholipases A2 display remarkable specificity for the length of the sn-2 residue, but this selectivity is lost as the residue gains oxygen functions. Two of the PAF-AHs therefore are specific oxidized phospholipid phospholipases that reduce inflammation, but also remove oxidatively truncated phospholipids that induce apoptosis. The roles of these enzymes are manifold, and their separate and combined functions are now being addressed in model systems and clinical studies.

Manipulation of adipose tissue protects BB rats from type 1 diabetes development

Background and aims: We breed type-1 diabetic BB rats since more than 25 years. Days before BB rats become diabetes their body seems to be flabby which may be attributed to loss of subcutaneous fat. This observation led to the idea that transplantation of adipose tissue may protect BB rats from diabetes.

Amplified hormonal counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia in rats after systemic delivery of a SUR-1-selective K(+) channel opener?

OBJECTIVE— In glucose-sensing neurons, ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP channels) are thought to translate metabolic signals into an alteration in neuronal firing rates. Because these neurons express the Kir6.2/SUR-1 isoform of the KATP channel, we sought to examine the therapeutic potential of the SUR-1–selective potassium channel opener (KCO), NN414, to amplify counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— In vivo dose-response studies with NN414 delivered intravenously to normal Sprague-Dawley rats before the induction of controlled hypoglycemia were performed. Based on these studies, the potential for NN414 to restore counterregulatory responses in chronically cannulated nondiabetic and diabetic BB rats was explored using the in vivo hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemic clamp technique.RESULTS— NN414 delivered systemically amplified epinephrine responses during acute hypoglycemia and showed a persisting effect to amplify the epinephrine response when given 24 h before the hypoglycemic study. Local delivery of a potassium-channel blocker to the ventromedial hypothalamus reversed the effects of systemic NN414. In addition, NN414 amplified the epinephrine response to hypoglycemia in both nondiabetic and diabetic BB rats with defective hormonal counterregulation.CONCLUSIONS— These studies demonstrate in a variety of rodent models that systemic delivery of Kir6.2/SUR-1–selective KCOs enhance the glucose counterregulatory response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Future studies in human subjects are now required to determine their potential as a therapy for hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure in type 1 diabetes.

Deficiency of purine nucleoside phosphorylase activity in thymocytes from the immunodeficient diabetic BB rat

The spontaneously diabetic BB (BBd) rat displays marked T lymphopenia. The present study was designed to investigate whether the immunodeficiency in this animal may be associated with deficiency of purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) and possibly adenosine deaminase (ADA). The activities of these two enzymes were measured in lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells from both non-diabetes-prone (BBn) and BBd rats as well as from streptozotocin-induced diabetic (STZ) BBn rats. There were no significant differences between BBn and BBd rats in ADA activities in thymocytes, skeletal muscle or brain. However, ADA activity was increased (P less than 0.01) by 50% in BBd mesenteric lymph node lymphocytes and splenocytes as compared with BBn cells, but was not altered in cells from STZ-BBn rats. On the other hand, the PNP activity in BBd thymocytes was only 61% (P less than 0.01) of that observed in BBn cells. This PNP deficiency was not the consequence of diabetes per se, as its activity was normal in thymocytes from STZ-BBn rats. There were no significant differences in PNP activities between BBn and BBd rats in all other cell types examined. The diabetic BB rat may be a novel source of PNP-deficient thymocytes (mainly immature T cells) for studying biochemical mechanisms of immunodeficiency in association with decreased PNP activity. The findings also raise the question of whether a causal relationship exists between PNP deficiency and the recently demonstrated abnormality in T cell maturation in the thymus of the BBd rat.

Nerve compression induces activating transcription factor 3 in neurons and Schwann cells in diabetic rats

Expression of transcription factor ATF3 in sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglion and in Schwann cells in sciatic nerve of diabetic (BB and Goto-Kakizaki rats; experimental models of types 1 and 2 diabetes, respectively) and healthy rats were examined by immunocytochemistry after nerve compression (silicone tube) for 3, 6 or 14 days. ATF3-stained sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia and Schwann cells at compression site were more frequent in diabetic BB rats. Decompression of nerves in Goto-Kakizaki rats did not reduce number of ATF3-stained cells. Diabetes (BB; i.e. type 1) confers on the peripheral nerve an increased susceptibility to nerve compression indicated by an increased expression of stained ATF3 neurons and Schwann cells.

Encapsulation of Porcine Islets Permits Extended Culture Time and Insulin Independence in Spontaneously Diabetic BB Rats

The ability to culture porcine islets for extended times allows for both their functional assessment and the assurance of their microbiological safety prior to transplantation. We have previously shown that agarose-encapsulated porcine islets can be cultured for at least 24 weeks. In the current study, porcine islet agarose macrobeads cultured for up to 67 weeks were assessed for their ability to restore normoglycemia, respond to an intraperitoneal glucose challenge, maintain spontaneously diabetic BB rats free of insulin therapy for more than 6 months, and for their biocompatibility. Porcine islets were encapsulated in agarose macrobeads and subjected to weekly static perifusion assays for the assessment of insulin production. After in vitro culture for either 9, 40, or 67 weeks, 56-60 macrobeads were transplanted to each spontaneously diabetic BB rat. Transplanted rats were monitored daily for blood glucose levels. Glucose tolerance tests and assessments for porcine C-peptide were conducted at various intervals throughout the study. Normoglycemia (100-200 mg/dl) was initially restored in all islet transplanted rats. Moderate hyperglycemia (200-400 mg/dl) developed at around 30 days posttransplantation and continued throughout the study period of 201-202 days. Importantly, all rats that received encapsulated porcine islets continued to gain weight and were free of exogenous insulin therapy for the entire study. Porcine C-peptide (0.2-0.9 ng/ml) was detected in the serum of islet recipients throughout the study period. No differences were detected between recipient animals receiving islet macrobeads of various ages. These results demonstrate that the encapsulation of porcine islets in agarose macrobeads allows for extended culture periods and is an appropriate strategy for functional and microbiological assessment prior to clinical use.

Reversal of Defective Glucagon Responses to Hypoglycemia in Insulin-Dependent Autoimmune Diabetic BB Rats

The intraislet insulin hypothesis has been proposed to explain absent glucagon responses to hypoglycemia. Recently we directly confirmed this hypothesis by restoring glucagon secretion via provision of a pancreatic artery insulin infusion, which was switched off at the time of hypoglycemia in Wistar rats made diabetic by streptozotocin. The current study examined this hypothesis in a model of spontaneous, autoimmune diabetes, the insulin-dependent diabetic BB rat. The insulin switch-off signal restored the defective glucagon responses to hypoglycemia. However, the magnitude of the restored response was markedly less than that observed in control nondiabetic BB rats (4- to 5-month-old diabetic BB rats = 147 +/- 27; 2-month-old nondiabetic BB rats = 1038 +/- 112 pg/ml, peak delta; P < 0.0001). Because time was required for the BB rat to spontaneously develop diabetes, we asked whether the incomplete restoration of the glucagon response might be related to the animals' growth and development. This led us to compare the glucagon response to hypoglycemia in nondiabetic BB and Wistar rats at 2 and 4-5 months of age. We observed age-related deterioration of not only glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity but also glucagon responses to hypoglycemia in both strains. There was no significant difference between the glucagon responses to hypoglycemia in age-matched nondiabetic BB rats and diabetic BB rats provided with the insulin switch-off signal. We conclude that defective glucagon responses to hypoglycemia in BB rats can be corrected by restoring regulation of alpha-cell function by insulin.