Characterization of ferret insulinoma cells

Abstract

Insulinomas are tumors derived from islet β-cells in the pancreas; their main goal is to produce insulin to repress the glucose concentration in blood. Insulinomas (INS) in ferrets have a low rate of metastasis to other organs, the most common organs being the lymph nodes, liver and spleen. In ferrets the insulinoma is by far the most common tumor with a reported incidence of 25% and is usually seen in 4 to 6 year old ferrets. (1, 14) Insulinomas (over)secrete insulin and are not sensitive for inhibitory stimuli like hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycemia - even a low glucose level can result in; the release of insulin by the tumor. An overproduction of insulin will result in an increased insulin/glucagon ratio which in its turn results in a hypoglycemia by inhibiting glucose production in the liver and stimulating the breakdown of glucose. The resulting clinical signs include lethargy, weakness, difficulty arising from sleep, ptyalism and pawing at the mouth. To confirm the diagnosis a biopsy of the tumor is required for histological confirmation of its β-cell origin. (2)