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Mechanisms of Postnatal β-Cell Mass Regulation

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Molecular Basis of Pancreas Development and Function

Part of the book series: Endocrine Updates ((ENDO,volume 11))

Abstract

Diabetes results when there is an inadequate functional mass of pancreatic β-cells. In type 1 diabetes immune-mediated destruction of β-cells clearly leaves a markedly reduced β-cell mass, even though as much as 10-20% β-cells can be found in human pancreas after many years of disease (1). In type 2 diabetes, an increased demand for secreted insulin is not met in spite of the presence of β-cell mass that can be near normal. In MODY genetic defects result in impaired β-cell function that appears not to be adequately compensated for by an increase in f3-cell mass to maintain glucose homeostasis. Two types of compensation can occur: a functional one in which each ß-cell secretes more insulin and a second in which there is change of β-cell mass. Functional adaptations have been shown as changes in threshold for glucose-induced insulin secretion that occurs during pregnancy (2) and glucose-induced increases in glucokinase activity (3). Even so, the major factor in the amount of insulin that can be secreted is the β-cell mass itself. The mass of functional β-cells is dynamic and is regulated to maintain the blood glucose levels in a narrow physiological range. This chapter will describe the mechanisms involved; most of the data have been generated in rodent models but provide insights into what is likely to occur in humans.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Susan Bonner-Weir Ph.D. & Gordon C. Weir M.D.

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  1. Susan Bonner-Weir Ph.D.
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  2. Gordon C. Weir M.D.
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA

    Joel F. Habener M.D.

  2. Department of Medicine, Clinical and Molecular Endocrinology, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY

    Mehboob A. Hussain M.D.

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Bonner-Weir, S., Weir, G.C. (2001). Mechanisms of Postnatal β-Cell Mass Regulation. In: Habener, J.F., Hussain, M.A. (eds) Molecular Basis of Pancreas Development and Function. Endocrine Updates, vol 11. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1669-9_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1669-9_17

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