Abstract
Transgenic mice expressing an insulin-promoted H-ras hybrid gene in pancreatic β cells developed β-cell degeneration and diabetes. The disease was manifested in male mice by hyperglycemia, glycosuria, and reduced plasma insulin levels, which appeared around 5 months of age and led to premature death. Histological analyses revealed large holes within the islets of Langerhans and a reduced number of β cells. The destruction of the islets was not associated with an obvious inflammatory activity. Ultrastructural analysis showed extensive engorgement in the endoplasmic reticulum of the residual β cells from diabetic males. The females carrying the insulin-promoted ras gene did not manifest any of the physiological abnormalities observed in males and showed only minor histological and ultrastructural changes, even at much greater ages.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1779-1783 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Molecular and cellular biology |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 4 |
State | Published - 1990 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology