Research Paper Volume 15, Issue 2 pp 441—458
Clearance of p16Ink4a-positive cells in a mouse transgenic model does not change β-cell mass and has limited effects on their proliferative capacity
Figure 3. Specific deletion of p16Ink4a-expressing cells improved metabolic profile. (A) Bodyweight changes compared to the beginning of the HFD. (B) HFD increased transcription of Caspase 8 by qPCR indicating acceleration of senescence in pancreatic islets. FC (fold change) to C (control). (C) HFD increased transcription of p16Ink4a by qPCR indicating acceleration of senescence in pancreatic islets. (D) Representative confocal images of HFD and HFD+ B/B homodimerizer treated islets. FC (fold change) to C (control). (E) Blood glucose percentage changes compared to the beginning of the treatment and (F) area under the curve for the three groups throughout the treatment period. (G) Fasting insulin (ng/mL) levels collected from tail blood during IPGTT (p = 0.08 by two-tailed unpaired t-test). (H) Glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) evaluated in vivo during IPGTT revealed restoration of basal insulin secretion after treatment with B/B homodimerizer. 1-year old INK-ATTAC mice; n = 8 control group, n = 8 HFD, n = 9 HFD = BB homodimerizer; males and females. *p < 0.05 after t-test.