Item – Theses Canada

OCLC number
1033203200
Link(s) to full text
LAC copy
LAC copy
Author
Green, Brenda.
Title
Towards Examining FGF21 Secretion from Pancreatic Islets in a Microfluidic Device.
Degree
(MAST)--University of Toronto, 2012.
Publisher
Toronto : University of Toronto, 2012.
Description
1 online resource
Notes
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract
Type II diabetes is characterized by impaired insulin-secretion from pancreatic [beta]- cells. A novel endocrine factor, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is produced by the liver and improves pancreatic [beta]- cell function and survival. However, a state of FGF21- resistance has been described in obese mice and humans. This thesis examines (1) whether pancreatic islets temporally express FGF21 and (2) if high glucose and fat reduce transcript expression of FGF21 receptors in islets. This thesis further characterizes a novel microfluidic device that will be used to collect and assay FGF21. Our data indicate that palmitate induces maximal production of FGF21 mRNA in [beta]- cells after 16 hours of stimulation through PPAR[gamma]. Secondly, we report that FGF21, glucose and palmitate do not cause FGF21-resistance by down-regulating receptor expression. Overall, we present a mechanism for the induction of FGF21 from islets, and describe a microfluidic device for culture and secretion studies.
Other link(s)
tspace.library.utoronto.ca
hdl.handle.net
Subject
Diabetes.
Microfluidics.