The GluCre‐ROSA26EYFP mouse: A new model for easy identification of living pancreatic α‐cells

The control of glucagon secretion by pancreatic α‐cells is poorly understood, largely because of the difficulty to recognize living α‐cells. We describe a new mouse model, referred to as GluCre‐ROSA26EYFP (or GYY), allowing easy α‐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. [Ca2+]c 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 α‐cells.

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