Imaging the effects of GLP-1 on the developing pancreas

GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide 1) is an incretin (a metabolic hormone modulating glucose metabolism) known to lower blood glucose by stimulating insulin release and inhibiting glucagon release. The effects of GLP-1 are well documented in adults, but little is known about the role of GLP-1 during development. The hypothesis of this project is that GLP-1 assists the pancreas in development, differentiation, and proliferation. To test this hypothesis, Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor knockout mice (GLP-1R KO) were compared to control mice to block the mechanism of GLP-1. Sections of the pancreas were taken from both GLP-1R KO and control mice and were stained for insulin, glucagon, and proliferation. The data from the experiment suggests that GLP-1R KO mice have less islet cell mass (both α and β) and proliferation compared to controls. Further studies could investigate the role of GLP-1 during pancreatic organogenesis.