Abstract
Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has received much attention in the recent years due to its role in development of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its expression is elevated in fat and muscle from insulin-resistant mice. Several cells of the pancreatic islets, including β-cells and resident macrophages, express TLR4. Our hypothesis is that expression of TLR4 and downstream signalling molecules in islets increases during progression of type 2 diabetes, thereby contributing to β-cell damage. We investigated the hypothesis in the db/db mouse. Islets from male db/db (4, 8 and 15 weeks old) and control db/+ (4 and 15 weeks old) mice were examined for mRNA expression of TLR4 and selected cytokines using qPCR. In addition, cytokine secretion from islets was quantified. TLR4 is expressed in islets from lean and obese mice, displaying a 7.4-fold higher level in 15 weeks old db/db relative to age-matched control (p
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Tidsskrift | APMIS : acta pathologica, microbiologica, et immunologica Scandinavica |
Vol/bind | 121 |
Udgave nummer | 6 |
Sider (fra-til) | 531-8 |
Antal sider | 8 |
ISSN | 0903-4641 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - jun. 2013 |