CCK-producing (I) cells of intestinal mucosa in dexamethasone-treated rats.

Abstract

Some studies indicate that diabetes condition exerts a significant influence on the gastrointestinal tract. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a neuropeptide hormone found in the brain and secreted from I cells of the intestinal mucosa (in rodents are concentrated in the duodenum and proximal jejunum). CCK is now known to play a significant role in many physiological processes, including stimulation of gall bladder contraction, regulation of satiety, bowel motility, gastric emptying, insulin secretion, pancreatic enzyme secretion, and neurotransmission. In order to investigate the morphological, immunohistochemical and ultra-structural changes of rat CCK-producing (I) cells of intestinal mucosa in diabetic state, we applied a experimental model of prediabetic stage/diabetes mellitus type 2 (NIDDM). The rats were treated with dexamethasone, because of data about its diabetogenic action.