The GluCre-ROSA26EYFP mouse: a new model for easy identification of living pancreatic alpha-cells.

The control of glucagon secretion by pancreatic alpha-cells is poorly understood, largely because of the difficulty to recognize living alpha-cells. We describe a new mouse model, referred to as GluCre-ROSA26EYFP (or GYY), allowing easy alpha-cell identification because of specific expression of EYFP. GYY mice displayed normal glycemic control during a fasting/refeeding test or intraperitoneal insulin injection. Glucagon secretion by isolated islets was normally inhibited by glucose and stimulated by adrenaline. Ca(2+) responses to arginine, adrenaline, diazoxide and tolbutamide, were similar in GYY and control mice. Hence, this new mouse model is a reliable and powerful tool to specifically study alpha-cells.