Pancreatic B-cell behaviour after changing the natural environment of sand rats (Psammomys obesus.

On the basis of the blood glucose increase during the capitivity sand rats born in the desert were classified as normals, protodiabetics and diabetics, indicating a different adaptation to the new environment within a definite period. Isolated islets of animals, which did not develop a hyperglycemia, enhanced their insulin content during the adaptation period. The absolute insulin secretion rates in response to 16.5 mM glucose were rather similar between the three investigated groups and not modified by the insulin as well as glucagon content of pancreatic islets. But, since islets of hyperglycemic sand rats could not increase the insulin content, a significantly enhanced fractional secretion (as % of the content) could be observed. The results let us assume that the B-cell reaction during the adaptation period can be modified by further factors additionally to the changed environment.