INGAP-PP effects on β-cell mass and function are related to its positive effect on islet angiogenesis and VEGFA production

ROMÁN, CAROLINA LISI; MAIZTEGUI, BÁRBARA; DEL ZOTTO, HÉCTOR; GAGLIARDINO, JUAN JOSÉ; FLORES, LUIS EMILIO

MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY.

ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD

Año: 2018

0303-7207

Our aim was to determine whether islet angiogenesis and VEGFA production/release participate in the mechanism by which INGAP-PP enhances β-cell function and mass. We used two models: a) in vivo (normal rats injected with INGAP-PP for 10 days) and b) in vitro (normal islets cultured for 4 days with INGAP-PP, VEGFA, Rapamycin, and the specific VEGF-Receptor inhibitor, SU5416). INGAP-PP administration enhanced insulin secretion, β-cell mass, islet vascularization, and angiogenesis without affecting glucose homeostasis. Normal islets cultured with INGAP-PP and VEGFA increased insulin and VEGFA secretion while apoptosis decreased. INGAP-PP-induced effects were prevented by both Rapamycin and SU5416. INGAP-PP effects on β-cell mass and function were significantly associated with a positive effect on islet angiogenesis and VEGFA production/release. VEGF-A possibly potentiates INGAP-PP effect through mTORC pathway.