Abstract

The intricate communication between different cell types within pancreatic islets plays a crucial role in regulating glucose homeostasis. Among these cellular interactions, the interplay between α cells (responsible for glucagon secretion) and δ cells (secreting somatostatin) is particularly intriguing due to the inhibitory effects of somatostatin on glucagon release. Understanding the intercellular interactions between α and δ cells may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the coordinated regulation of blood glucose levels. In this study, we employed a multi-modal approach combining confocal imaging, image analysis, and correlation network analysis to investigate the spatial relationships and potential functional connections between α and δ cells within intact islets under different external stimuli. Our results revealed distinct correlation patterns of α and δ cells within the islets, with varying degrees of intermixing and clustering under different levels of glucose concentration.
The correlation network analysis identified specific subpopulations of α and δ cells exhibiting strong spatial correlations, suggesting potential functional coupling between these cell types. These findings provide valuable insights into the intercellular communication pathways within islets and may contribute to a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing glucose homeostasis.

Committee Chair

David W Piston

Committee Members

Mattew Lew Michael Vahey

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Author's Department

Biomedical Engineering

Author's School

McKelvey School of Engineering

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

Spring 5-10-2024

Language

English (en)

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Available for download on Friday, May 08, 2026

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