S15261, A NOVEL AGENT FOR THE TREATMENT OF INSULIN-RESISTANCE - STUDIES ON PSAMMOMYS-OBESUS - EFFECT ON PANCREATIC-ISLETS OF INSULIN-RESISTANT ANIMALS

A histological study has been conducted on pancreata from insulin resi stant sand rats treated with S16261. As previously shown, standard lab oratory chow induced dietary hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance and hyperlipaemia in sand rats (Psammomys obesus). Degranulation, vacuoli zation and even necrosis of beta-cells were observed in these animals. These changes were often accompanied by fibrosis and lymphocytic infi ltration. Insulin and amylin immuno-reactivity of beta-cells was marke dly decreased whilst glucagon secreting cells were localized now in th e centre of the islets. Chronic treatment with S15261, a compound able to restore insulin sensitivity in insulin resistant animals, promoted the regranulation of the beta-cells and maintained the usual cytoarch itecture and integrity of the islets.