BETA-CELL DEFENSE AND REPAIR MECHANISMS IN HUMAN PANCREATIC-ISLETS

In vivo and in vitro data obtained in rodents indicate that beta-cells can trigger efficient repair mechanisms following non-lethal injury, Recent observations suggest that human pancreatic islets are more resi stant than rodent islets to damage by alkylating agents, free oxygen r adicals, nitric oxide and cytokines, This increased resistance to inju ry is associated with higher expression of heat shock protein 70, cata lase and superoxide dismutase, These findings emphasise the potential relevance of beta-cell repair and/or defence mechanisms in the develop ment of human IDDM.