Abstract.
Collagenase-isolated pancreatic islets from C57BL/6J mice were cultured overnight and transplanted under the kidney capsule of non-diabetic syngeneic hosts. Cryostat sections of grafts and fresh islets were stained for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like immunoreactivity (VIP-LI). Immediately after isolation, as well as 2–5 days after transplantation, VIP-LI- and AChE-positive nerve cell bodies were clearly seen in the periphery of the islets. Grafts 3–5 days old exhibited a transient and marked increase in VIP-LI nerve cell bodies and fibers. Seven days after transplantation VIP-LI nerve structures began to decrease in number and after 26–52 weeks they were no longer detectable. In contrast, AChE-positive nerve cell bodies and fibers, which showed a relatively constant pattern of distribution, were observed throughout the entire observation period. Restaining experiments demonstrated the coexistence of VIP-LI and AChE activity in the neurons. It is concluded that the grafts were extensively equipped with an intrinsic VIP-ergic and AChE-positive innervation. The initial, transient enhancement of VIP-LI expression probably reflects an adaptation of the neuro-insular complex to the preganglionic denervation, or to the ectopic environment, or both.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 13 November 1995 / Accepted: 19 January 1996
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Persson-Sjögren, S., Forsgren, S., Rooth, P. et al. Initial increase and subsequent loss of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide immunoreactivity in acetylcholinesterase-positive neurons of mouse islets transplanted to the kidney. Cell Tissue Res 284, 391–400 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004410050600
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004410050600