Computer-aided analysis for quantitative assessment of FoxA1 to estimate pancreatic subpopulation, oxidative phosphorylation, & morphogenesis in late pregnancy of mice
In pregnancy Peripheral, insulin resistance generating environment requires higher production of insulin, so the islets of langerhans undergo major structural & functional changes. The present study was designed to analyse and compare the immunohistochemical staining of FoxA1 transcription factor in islets of langerhans (Beta-cells mainly) and capillary vessels of islets in non-pregnant & pregnant state, in order to contribute a knowledge about a possible alteration throughout the life span directed to better understanding of the pancreatic metabolism, & findings can be applied to cell-based therapies to treat diabetics. The pancreas specimens taken from sixty mature female mice, thirty for each group. They divided in to Group (A): Served as control (non-pregnant), Group (B): Pregnant group (at day 17th, 18th, 19th of pregnancy). Tissues processed for paraffin block, sections stained with: Haematoxylin and eosin stain (to demonstrate the general histological and morphological changes that took place). Immunohistochemical stain (to compare the positivity of immunostaining of FoxA1 in beta cells & capillary vessels of islets in non-pregnant & pregnant groups). Two digital image analysing softwares used in this study: Image Scope program (for quantification of immunostaining of FoxA1 in beta cells & capillary vessel, nucleus & cytoplasm at the same time). ImageJ program (for quantification of immunostaining of FoxA1 in beta cells & capillary vessel, nucleus & cytoplasm in a separate manner). Result of the histological examination of the present study demonstrated that the increment in number and size of islets of langerhans were the main features observed during pregnancy and this increment caused by hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the islets. Also showed the number and size of blood vessels increase in pregnant groups. Result of the immunohistochemical examination of this study showed increase of immunostaining positivity of FoxA1 in beta cells & capillary vessels of islets of langerhans in pregnant group than non-pregnant. This study conclude that the FoxA1 is affected by insulin-resistant state of pregnancy, this open the question about the role of this factor in the origin of newly formed islets of langerhans (mainly beta cells) in pregnant group
