Significance And Expression Of PDX-1 In Pancreatic Islets Of The Rats With IUGR

ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of impaired development and functional maturation ofβ-cell in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR),and to detect the effects of malnutrition in uterine on the expression of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX-1) in pancreatic islets.MethodsThe dams were fed an isoenergetic diet containing low protein or normal protien from the first day during pregnancy to build the animal model of IUGR. After spontaneous delivery of the dams, the pups'weight and the length of nose-tail were measured,and the pancreas of pups were delivered and weighed. Immunhistochemistry was undertaken to investigate the expression of PDX-1 positive cells.Result1. The weight, length of nose-tail and pancreatic islets weight were markedly depressed in IUGR rats compared with the control rats (P<0.01).2. The expression of PDX-1 was significantly lower in pancreatic islets of IUGR rats than that in control (P<0.001).ConclusionBeing exposed to protein malnutrition during pregnancy can decrease expression of PDX-1, which may lead to a diminution in the proliferation of islet cells, reduced islet size and impaired insulin secretion, and subsequently promote diabetes mellitus later in life.