Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Pathogenic Features and Experimental Models in Rodents

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common endocrine disorder (90%) in the world; it has numerous clinical, immunological, and genetic differences from type 1 diabetes mellitus. The pathogenesis of T2DM is complex and not fully clear. To date, animal models remain the main tool by which to study the pathophysiology and therapy of T2DM. Rodents are considered the best choice among animal models, because they are characterized by a small size, short induction period, easy diabetes induction, and economic efficiency. This review summarizes data on experimental models of T2DM that are currently used, evaluates their advantages and disadvantages vis-a-vis research, and describes in detail the factors that should be taken into account when using these models. Selection of a suitable model for tackling a particular issue is not always trivial; it affects study results and their interpretation.

A Simplified Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Model in Nude Mice

Preclinical studies of human cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps) for transplantation therapy of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) necessarily involve animal models, particularly mouse models of diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ). These models should mimic the clinical and metabolic manifestations of T1DM in humans (face validity) and be similar to T1DM in terms of the pathogenetic mechanism (construct validity). Furthermore, since HCT/Ps contain human cells, modeling of diabetes in immune-deficient animals is obligatory. Here we describe the most simplified diabetes model in Nude mice. Diabetes was induced in 31 males by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ in normal saline at a medium-to-high dose of 150 mg/kg body weight. Fourteen control animals received only saline. Non-fasting plasma glucose (PG) levels were measured periodically for 50 days. All STZ-treated mice survived beyond 50 days. By day 15 after STZ administration, 22 of 31 (71%) mice developed stable diabetes based on the following criteria: (1) non-fasting PG ≥ 15 mmol/L on consecutive measurements up until day 50; (2) no diabetes remission. The mean non-fasting PG in mice with stable diabetes over the period of 35 days was equal to 25.7 mmol/L. On day 50, mean plasma insulin concentration, mean pancreatic insulin content, and the average number of β-cells in pancreatic islets were 2.6, 8.4, and 50 times lower, respectively, than in the control animals. We consider that our Nude mouse model of diabetes meets face validity and construct validity criteria and can be used in preclinical studies of HCT/Ps.

Pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Rodent Experimental Models

The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its severe complications is on the rise. The study of the pathogenesis of the onset and the progression of complications related to the disease, as well as the search for new therapeutic agents and methods of treatment, remains relevant. Experimental models are extremely important in the study of diabetes. This survey contains a synthesis of the most commonly used experimental animal models described in scientific literature. The mechanisms of the streptozotocin model are also analyzed and discussed, as it is considered as the most adequate and easily reproducible diabetes model. A review of the significant advantages and disadvantages of the described models has also been conducted.

Pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Rodent Experimental Models

The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its severe complications is on the rise. The study of the pathogenesis of the onset and the progression of complications related to the disease, as well as the search for new therapeutic agents and methods of treatment, remains relevant. Experimental models are extremely important in the study of diabetes. This survey contains a synthesis of the most commonly used experimental animal models described in scientific literature. The mechanisms of the streptozotocin model are also analyzed and discussed, as it is considered as the most adequate and easily reproducible diabetes model. A review of the significant advantages and disadvantages of the described models has also been conducted.

Stem Cells in the Treatment of InsulinDependent Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes affects over 350 million people worldwide, with the figure projected to rise to nearly 500 million over the next 20 years, according to the World Health Organization. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1 diabetes) is an endocrine disorder caused by an autoimmune reaction that destroys insulin-producing -cells in the pancreas, which leads to insulin deficiency. Administration of exogenous insulin remains at the moment the treatment mainstay. This approach helps to regulate blood glucose levels and significantly increases the life expectancy of patients. However, type 1 diabetes is accompanied by long-term complications associated with the systemic nature of the disease and metabolic abnormalities having a profound impact on health. Of greater impact would be a therapeutic approach which would overcome these limitations by better control of blood glucose levels and prevention of acute and chronic complications. The current efforts in the field of regenerative medicine are aimed at finding such an approach. In this review, we discuss the time-honored technique of donor islets of Langerhans transplantation. We also focus on the use of pluripotent stem and committed cells and cellular reprogramming. The molecular mechanisms of pancreatic differentiation are highlighted. Much attention is devoted to the methods of grafts delivery and to the materials used during its creation.

Stem Cells in the Treatment of Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes affects over 350 million people worldwide, with the figure projected to rise to nearly 500 million over the next 20 years, according to the World Health Organization. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1 diabetes) is an endocrine disorder caused by an autoimmune reaction that destroys insulin-producing β-cells in the pancreas, which leads to insulin deficiency. Administration of exogenous insulin remains at the moment the treatment mainstay. This approach helps to regulate blood glucose levels and significantly increases the life expectancy of patients. However, type 1 diabetes is accompanied by long-term complications associated with the systemic nature of the disease and metabolic abnormalities having a profound impact on health. Of greater impact would be a therapeutic approach which would overcome these limitations by better control of blood glucose levels and prevention of acute and chronic complications. The current efforts in the field of regenerative medicine are aimed at finding such an approach. In this review, we discuss the time-honored technique of donor islets of Langerhans transplantation. We also focus on the use of pluripotent stem and committed cells and cellular reprogramming. The molecular mechanisms of pancreatic differentiation are highlighted. Much attention is devoted to the methods of grafts delivery and to the materials used during its creation.

Valproic Acid Increases the Hepatic Differentiation Potential of Salivary Gland Cells

The studies of cell plasticity and differentiation abilities are important problems in modern cellular biology. The use of histone deacetylase inhibitor - valproic acid is a promising approach to increasing the differentiation efficiency of various cell types. In this paper we investigate the ability of mouse submandibular salivary gland cells to differentiate into the hepatic direction and the effect of valproic acid on the efficiency of this differentiation. It was shown that the gene expression levels of hepatocyte markers (Aat, Afp, G6p, Pepck, Tat, Cyp3a13) and liver-enriched transcription factors (Hnf-3, Hnf-3, Hnf-4, Hnf-6) were increased after differentiation in salivary gland cells. Valproic acid increases the specificity of hepatic differentiation, reducing the expression levels of the ductal (Krt19, Hhex1, Cyp7a1) and acinar (Ptf1a) markers. After valproic acid exposure, the efficiency of hepatic differentiation also increases, as evidenced by the increase in the gene expression level of Alb and Tdo, and increase in urea production by differentiated cells. No change was found in DNA methylation of the promoter regions of the genes; however, valproic acid treatment and subsequent hepatic differentiation largely affected the histone H3 methylation of liver-enriched genes. Thus, mouse submandibular salivary gland cells are capable of effective differentiation in the hepatic direction. Valproic acid increases the specificity and efficiency of the hepatic differentiation of these cells.

Valproic Acid Increases the Hepatic Differentiation Potential of Salivary Gland Cells

The studies of cell plasticity and differentiation abilities are important problems in modern cellular biology. The use of histone deacetylase inhibitor - valproic acid is a promising approach to increasing the differentiation efficiency of various cell types. In this paper we investigate the ability of mouse submandibular salivary gland cells to differentiate into the hepatic direction and the effect of valproic acid on the efficiency of this differentiation. It was shown that the gene expression levels of hepatocyte markers (Aat, Afp, G6p, Pepck, Tat, Cyp3a13) and liver-enriched transcription factors (Hnf-3α, Hnf-3β, Hnf-4α, Hnf-6) were increased after differentiation in salivary gland cells. Valproic acid increases the specificity of hepatic differentiation, reducing the expression levels of the ductal (Krt19, Hhex1, Cyp7a1) and acinar (Ptf1a) markers. After valproic acid exposure, the efficiency of hepatic differentiation also increases, as evidenced by the increase in the gene expression level of Alb and Tdo, and increase in urea production by differentiated cells. No change was found in DNA methylation of the promoter regions of the genes; however, valproic acid treatment and subsequent hepatic differentiation largely affected the histone H3 methylation of liver-enriched genes. Thus, mouse submandibular salivary gland cells are capable of effective differentiation in the hepatic direction. Valproic acid increases the specificity and efficiency of the hepatic differentiation of these cells.

Compensatory function of submandibular gland in mice with streptozotocin diabetes under conditions of transplantation

Transplantation of the submandibular gland under the renal capsule of mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus stimulated the compensatory function of the recipient submandibular gland. An increase in insulin I and insulin II gene expression in the submandibular gland after transplantation was demonstrated by PCR. More intensive production and extrusion of these proteins in the apical and basal directions in granular compartment cells of the submandibular gland was confirmed by electron microscopy. All these changes led to a reduction of blood glucose levels in diabetic animals as soon as 2-2.5 weeks after transplantation.

[Study of cell culture of mouse submandibular salivary gland in vitro]

Cell culture keeping its phenotype till the 20th passage was obtained from mouse submandibular salivary glands. The analysis of the heterogeneous culture showed that there were some morphological types of cells: densely packed small cells that had cuboidal or polygonal form and also large round cells. Epithelial cells of submandibular gland cultured during several weeks were able to form tubular strucures. It was shown that glandulocyte culture was presented by K19-positive and NGF-positive cells. It is important to note that expression of genes coding proinsulin and insulin was detected by immunocytochemical staining and by PCR as well.

[Aftereffect of synchronizers of protein synthesis rhythm in hepatocytes in vitro]

The effect of gangliosides and phenylephrine synchronizing the protein synthesis rhythm was preserved in hepatocytes cultured in the normal serum-free medium for one-two days. Hence, the membrane signal triggers intracellular, as was shown by us earlier, calcium-dependent processes, which regulate the kinetics of protein synthesis for a certain time after the signal perception.

[Age-related features of protein synthesis rhythm in hepatocytes. Effects of extracellular medium]

Cell interactions have been studied in cultures pf hepatocytes from young and old rats. The rhythm of protein synthesis is an index of cell interaction and synchronization in culture, while the amplitude of oscillations characterized cell cooperation in an aggregate rhythm. The mean rhythm amplitude in the culture of hepatocytes from old rats is twice lower than that from young rats. Gangliosides (mixture, bovine brain gangliosides) and alpha1-adrenomimetic phenylephrine enhanced synchronization of cultures of the cells from old rats and increased the amplitude of oscillations to the level of young animals. Addition of rat blood serum (10%) to the medium revealed the rhythm of protein synthesis in the culture, asynchronous in the control, i.e., led to their synchronization. In media with young and old rat blood sera, oscillations were intense, with high amplitudes, and low, respectively. Addition of bovine brain gangliosides to a medium with old rat blood serum increased the amplitudes of oscillations to a level of the rhythm stimulated by the young rat serum. Thus, the cells of old animals can fully perceive synchronizing factors and, in the case of their increased concentration, the rhythm of protein synthesis in old animals did not differ from that in young rats. Current data on biochemical mechanisms underlying intercellular cooperation in the formation of population rhythm of protein synthesis have been discussed.

[Cooperation of the hepatocytes in vitro in the rythm of the protein synthesis is intensified by GM1 ganglioside in vesicles and liposomes]

The medium conditioned by dense, self-synchronized hepatocyte cultures was centrifuged at 150,000 g to obtain two fractions. The light fraction (supernatant fluid) contained ganglioside monomers and micelles, and the heavy fraction (pellet) contained gangliosides in the vesicles shed from the cell membrane. In the test populations of hepatocytes, the rhythm of protein synthesis was used as an indicator of cell synchronization resulting from their cooperative activity. Low-density hepatocyte cultures with asynchronous fluctuations of protein synthesis proved to be synchronized by both the initial conditioned medium and its vesicular fraction. Our previous studies have shown that this occurs under the effect of GM1 monosialoganglioside, which is released from cultured cells and accumulates in the conditioned medium. Liposomes consisting of GM1 and phosphatidylcholine from egg yolk (1:19 mol%), compared to free exogenous GM1, synchronized the rhythm of protein synthesis more effectively: synchronization was observed at a GM1 concentration in liposome suspension of only 0.0003 microM, compared to 0.06 microM and higher in the case of free GM1. Thus, GM1 as a component of membranes and monolayer lipid structures proved to be much more effective than free GM1 in promoting hepatocyte cooperation with respect to the rhythm of protein synthesis.

[Disturbed cooperation of hepatocytes in the rhythm of protein synthesis by chelating agent of cytoplasmic calcium BAPTA-AM]

Previously we demonstrated synchronized oscillations of protein synthesis rate in the hepatocyte cultures upon accumulation of monosialognaglioside GM1 in the medium or after introduction of exogenous GM1 to the medium. The synchronized oscillations of the protein synthesis rate in dense hepatocyte cultures were blocked 30 min after their treatment with 10-20 microM BAPTA-AM--a chelating agent of cytoplasmic calcium. Enzyme immunoassay for GM1 demonstrated similar amounts of GM1 in the medium conditioned for 3 h by dense hepatocyte cultures pretreated with 20 microns]M BAPTA-AM for 1 h and in the medium of normal dense cultures--0.0060 +/- 0.0005 and 0.0055 +/- 0.0005 pmol/1000 cells, respectively. The content of GM1 was also similar in the normal and BAPTA-AM-pretreated hepatocytes--0.158 +/- 0.013 and 0.183 +/- 0.014 pmol/1000 cells, respectively. The synchronized rhythm of protein synthesis has been confirmed in the diluted cultures in the medium conditioned by the normal dense cultures. However, the medium conditioned by the dense cultures pretreated with BAPTA-AM induces no synchronization of the diluted cultures. Since GM1 concentration was normal in this medium, we propose the effect of physicochemical form of the gangliosides accumulated in the medium on their ability to synchronize the rhythm of protein synthesis.

[Changes in the concentration of calcium ions and rhythm of protein synthesis in the culture of hepatocytes]

We studied the effects of the chelating agents of extra- and intracellular calcium ions, EGTA and BAPTA-AM, and of the inhibitor of Ca2+ release from the reticulum, TMB-8, in the kinetics of protein synthesis in hepatocyte cultures. We also studied dense cultures capable of self-synchronization of protein synthesis oscillations and diluted cultures, in which synchronization is induced by phenylephrine or gangliosides (standard preparation of total gangliosides from the bovine brain). Preincubation of the diluted or dense cultures in the presence of 2 mM EGTA for 1-2 h with subsequent protein assay in a medium with EGTA did not affect the kinetics of protein synthesis: no rhythm was found in the diluted cultures, while it was preserved in the dense cultures. When the diluted cultures preincubated in the presence of EGTA were placed in a medium with EGTA and 2 microM phenylephrine for 2 min, the rhythm was visualized. The treatment of diluted cultures with 100 microM TMB-8 for 5 or 10 min with subsequent washing and incubation in a medium with 3 microM gangliosides led to visualization of the protein synthesis rhythm, i.e., to the synchronization of oscillations, while no rhythm was found in the standard cultures. Preincubation of the diluted cultures in a medium with 10, 15, or 20 microM BAPTA-AM did not affect the kinetics of protein synthesis. When, after such preincubation, the diluted cultures were placed in the medium with gangliosides, the rhythm was visualized. In the dense cultures, normally capable of self-synchronization, no rhythm of protein synthesis was found after their treatment with 10-20 microM BAPTA-AM for 1 h. The transfer of such cultures in the medium with gangliosides led to visualization of the rhythm. Thus, calcium affects the kinetics of protein synthesis: after the rise of Ca2+ in the cytoplasm was blocked, the rhythm of protein synthesis was not visualized due, supposedly, to disturbed mechanisms of medium conditioning. However, exogenous gangliosides in the dense or diluted cultures preincubated in the presence of BAPTA-AM ore TMB-8 allowed the rhythm visualization, i.e., synchronization may not depend on changes in the intracellular calcium concentration.

[Rhythm of protein synthesis in cultures of hepatocytes from rats of different ages. Norm and effect of the peptide livagen]

The circumhoralian rhythm of protein synthesis was determined in a monolayer culture of hepatocytes from rats at the age of 1 to 24 months and weighing from 45 to 480 g, respectively. The peptide lyvagen (Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala) obtained by directed chemical synthesis on the basis of amino acid analysis of the liver polypeptide preparations increased the level of protein synthesis in the hepatocytes from rats of different ages; the highest effect was observed in the cells of old animals. In old rats, lyvagen increased the amplitude of protein synthesis fluctuations. The peptide epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) constructed on the basis of analysis of the epiphysis peptides did not change the intensity of protein synthesis in the cultured hepatocytes.

[The adrenoreceptor blocker prazosin does not prevent synchronization of the protein biosynthesis rhythm by exogenous gangliosides in the hepatocyte culture]

We studied the effect of the alpha 1-adrenolytic prazosine on dense cultures of hepatocytes, which are normally characterized by the protein synthesis rhythm, and diluted cultures, in which such a rhythm is revealed after external synchronization. Exogenous gangliosides (a fraction of the total gangliosides of the bovine brain) then synchronize the rhythm in diluted cultures; this effect is also displayed in the presence of 10(-7) M prazosine. The synchronizing effect of the medium conditioned by dense cultures was also preserved in the presence of prazosine. In the dense cultures that don't normally require external synchronization, prazosine affected intensified the rhythmic patter of changes in the protein synthesis. After a total of 0.3 microM gangliosides were introduced in the medium with prazosine-pretreated dense cultures, the protein synthesis rhythm was visualized. We propose that, while blocking adrenoreceptors, prazosine does not prevent the action of exogenous synchronizing factors on the hepatocytes, but inhibits the release of such factors from the cell.

[Phenylephrine synchromizes rhythm of protein synthesis in hepatocyte culture]

Published data indicate that 1-3 microM adrenomimetic phenylephrine increases the concentration of calcium ions in the cytoplasm of cultured hepatocytes. We studied low-density cultures exhibiting no protein synthesis rhythm in the fresh medium and demonstrated that a 2 min action of 2 microM phenylephrine induces protein synthesis rhythm, i.e., synchronizes the synthesis oscillations in hepatocytes. A similar effect was observed for a selective inhibitor of the reticulum calcium pump, di-tert-butyl-benzohydroquinone, that increases the cytoplasm concentration of calcium ions by a receptor-independent mechanism. A calcium antagonist imipramine obviated the synchronization effect of phenylephrine. We propose that short-term changes in the cytoplasm concentration of calcium ions covering the whole cell population are among intracellular mechanisms of protein synthesis synchronization in hepatocytes in vitro.

[The synchronization of the rhythm of protein synthesis in hepatocyte cultures occurs during conditioning of the medium with ganglioside GM1 accumulation in the cells: an immunohistochemical study]

We studied the kinetics of proteins synthesis in the cultures of hepatocytes on collagen-coated slides in medium 199 enriched with 0.2 mg/ml albumin and 0.5 microgram/ml insulin and devoid of bovine serum. Circahoral fluctuations of proteins synthesis intensity were found in the monolayer cultures and sparse cultures in a conditioned medium. No protein synthesis rhythm was expressed in a fresh medium after repeated washing of the cultures. Addition of micromolar concentrations of gangliosides GM1 or GD1a to the medium revealed the rhythm in washed cultures. Addition of GT1b or GM3 to the medium did not synchronize the oscillations: the kinetics of protein synthesis did not differ from that in the control space cultures in a fresh medium without exogenous gangliosides. Accumulation of gangliosides GM1 and GM3 in the hepatocytes in vitro upon conditioning of a serum-free culture medium was shown using the indirect immunocytochemical method. The effect was found in dense monolayer cultures and in cultures with separated cells in a conditioned medium. The protein synthesis rhythm was found in such cultures. Gangliosides are weakly expressed in most cells of a repeatedly washed 24-hour monolayer and washed sparse cultures. No protein synthesis rhythm was found in washed cultures. Similar changes in the dynamics of the culture medium conditioning, accumulation of gangliosides in cells and rhythmic activity of cells population confirm the concept of the synchronizing role of gangliosides.

[Gangliosides synchronize the rhythm of protein synthesis in hepatocytes in vitro]

The kinetics of protein synthesis was studied in the cultures of rat hepatocytes on slides covered with collagen or fibronectin and kept in a serum-free medium 199 complemented by albumin and insulin. No protein synthesis rhythm was found in the cultures with markedly separated cells obtained from a diluted suspension of hepatocytes ("sparse cultures"). After 0.3-0.4 microM total gangliosides were added to the medium with such cultures, the rhythm was found in all experiments. Such an effect was earlier found under the influence of a medium conditioned by a monolayer on the sparse cultures. The results obtained suggest the involvement of gangliosides in synchronization of oscillations of the protein synthesis intensity and call for studies of the conditioned medium properties.

[A serum-free medium that preserves the normal morphology and high protein-synthesis level in hepatocytes in vitro]

In a culture of rat hepatocytes, kept in a serum-free medium 199, the number of attached cells was decreased and a monolayer was not formed within 24 h. Soon after the cells were attached to collagen, the intensity of protein synthesis in the serum-free medium was decreased due to the smaller number of cells in the culture and was calculated per cell. The properties of cultures, i.e., the number and shape of cells, external appearance of the culture, and intensity of protein synthesis, were similar in a serum-containing medium and in the serum-free medium 199 complemented with 0.2 mg/ml albumin and 5 micrograms/ml insulin. A monolayer typical for the medium with serum was formed in the medium with albumin and insulin within approximately 20 h after attachment of the hepatocytes to the substrate.

[The intensity of protein synthesis in the cells of a diluted hepatocyte culture is higher than in a dense culture]

Incorporation of 3H-leucine in proteins and radioactivity of free leucine have been studied in hepatocyte culture on collagen-coated glass. A high density culture obtained from a suspension of isolated rat hepatocytes at 5 x 10(6) cells/ml was compared with low density cultures diluted from the same suspension 10- to 20-fold. The incorporation pool ratio showing the efficiency of the precursor utilization was higher in the low density culture as compared with the high density monolayer. The effect was due to disproportionate low pool in the diluted cultures. The total radioactivity of proteins was lower in the diluted cultures as compared with the monolayer, although the incorporation was not in proportion with the cell density. Specific rate of protein synthesis (per cell) was higher in the diluted cultures than in the monolayer.

[The rhythm of protein synthesis in denervated rat liver]

Using the radiochemical method, we found a circahoralian rhythm of protein synthesis in slices of rat liver two weeks after transection of the vagus nerve anterior stem or bilateral subphrenic vagotomy with simultaneous transection of the celiac plexus hepatic branches. The rhythm was similar to those found in slices of normal liver or in a monolayer culture of hepatocytes. The incorporation of leucine in proteins and the pool of free leucine were similar in the denervated and normal liver. The self-synchronization of individual cell oscillations in protein synthesis intensity was shown earlier in experiments performed on cell cultures. A study of protein synthesis in the denervated liver suggests that cell interactions are also the main mechanism underlying the synchronization of oscillating cellular functions in the organ in situ.

[Cellular self-synchronization in a hepatocyte culture with antiphase fluctuations in the intensity of protein synthesis]

A part of suspension with isolated hepatocytes was cooled and then warmed to normal temperature. In cultures formed with such cells, antiphase oscillations of the protein synthesis rate were detected concerning control cultures from another part the same hepatocyte suspension. Oscillations of protein synthesis were observed in the mixed cultures formed with equal parts of antiphase subpopulations of hepatocytes. The experiments established cell interactions in vitro resulted in synchronization of protein synthesis oscillations in different cells the same population.

[The effect of macromolecular adhesion factors isolated from the blood serum and liver of mammals on the intensity of protein synthesis and the ATP content in hepatocytes in vitro]

The influence of the extra-low dozes of the macromolecular adhesive factors (MAF) on the protein synthesis and on the ATP contents in the rat hepatocytes on different models in vitro has been investigated. The protein synthesis intensity, the cell penetrability for labelled 3H-leucine and the intracell ATP contents in the experiments with the hepatocyte monolayer in control cells has been showed to be the same as those in the cells treated by MAF-1 and MAF-2. In the liver cells the protein synthesis intensity was depressed essentially under the action of MAF-1 and MAF-2 with respect to the control cells. The penetrability of the liver cells has increased in 50% of experiments after MAF-1 and MAF-2 treatment. The data obtained show the necessity of preservation of morphological structure of organs for the realization of the biological activity of appropriate MAF.

[Ploidies of cardiomyocytes in human myocardial hypertrophy]

DNA cytophotometry has been performed in ventricular cardiomyocytes of hypertrophic human hearts. In the cases of hypertrophy in adults (generalized atherosclerosis, postinfarct scars), polyploidy expression did not exceed the limits of normal variability developed during childhood. In the cases of hypertrophy caused by congenital heart defects, high polyploidy has been revealed (the mean level 20c and more, where c is haploid DNA content), which considerably exceeded the upper limit of normal variability (approximately 10c). Our hypothesis has confirmed that heart hypertrophy in adults proceeds in conditions of stable genome rather than due to redundant polyploidization of the ventricular myocytes. The same idea assumes enhanced polyploidization of the myocytes in childhood in humans with congenital heart diseases.

[Oscillatory changes in cells of the submandibular glands in mice during the secretory cycle]

By means of 3H-leucine radioautography, ultrastructural and morphometrical analysis, it has been demonstrated that in the cells of the acinar (Ac) and granular (Gr) parts of the submandibular gland (SMG) in mice with a synchronized for 3 h nutrition cycle there are endogenic fluctuations (for about 1 h) of the secretory process. They are demonstrated as alterations in intensity of protein synthesis in the cells, their areas and ultrastructure. In the Ac cells at the moment of feeding and in 50, 110, 150 min after feeding maximal leucine incorporation is observed. The changes in the cell area during the first hour occurs with 10 minutes' overtake of the incorporation intensity, and during the following 2 h an equilibrium is reached between these two parameters, when the maximal contents of the label corresponds to the minimal area of the cells. In the Gr cells one maximum of 3H-leucine incorporation occurs in 60-80 min after feeding. The minimal content of the label takes place in 10 and 120 min after feeding. During the time mentioned inverse ratio between the intensity incorporation of the labelled isotope and the change of the cell volume is observed. This is connected with autoregulatory processes in the cells. It is possible that in the Ac cells together with removal of the secretory granules by means of exocytosis (in 10-20 min after feeding) the secretory material is removed before it is formed as granules by parvivesicular extrusion. In the Gr cells apocrinic and endocrinic secretion takes place. Presence of certain specific formations (secretory lysosomes) explains peculiarities of the secretory process in the SMG.