Development of pancreatic islet cells in the extrahepatic bile ducts of rats with experimentally-induced metabolic syndrome

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Context There is data about the existence of some endocrine cells in the epithelial layer of the bile duct in humans and rats.Objective We evaluated Ghrelin-, Insulin-, Glucagon- and Somatostatin-positive cells in peribiliary glands, mast cells, and nerve fibres.Materials and methods Wistar rats were used for dietary manipulation with a 15% fructose solution for 12 weeks. Tissue samples were elaborated with immunohistochemistry for Insulin, Glucagon, Ghrelin, and Somatostatin. Glucose and lipid parameters were studied.Results In treated animals, Ghrelin+ and Insulin+ cells in perybiliary glands (PBGs) were significantly increased. In the male fructose group there was a significant increase of the homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).Conclusions Stem/progenitor cells in extrahepatic bile tree (EHBT) could be a source of Insulin-producing cells in metabolic syndrome. Fructose treatment induces the increase of Ghrelin+ and Insulin+ cells in PBGs and the elevation of Insulin and Ghrelin plasma concentration.