Age Related Changes in Pancreatic Islet Pericytes and Capillary Diameter
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Lizbeth de la Cruz, Idaho State University
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
Aging is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and is associated with progressive declines in pancreatic β-cell function and insulin secretion. Insulin secretion depends on adequate islet blood flow, which is regulated in part by pericytes—contractile cells that control capillary diameter. Preliminary observations from our laboratory indicate that pancreatic islet capillary diameter increases with age; however, whether this vascular enlargement is associated with changes in pericyte number or capillary coverage remains unknown. We hypothesize that aging reduces pericyte number and coverage, thereby increasing islet capillary diameter. To test this hypothesis, pancreatic tissue was collected from young, middle-aged, and old mice. Tissue sections were immunolabeled for CD31 (blood vessels), NG2 (pericytes), and insulin (pancreatic islets), cleared with ethyl cinnamate, and imaged using confocal microscopy. Quantitative image analysis was performed using FIJI. We successfully identified pericytes across all age groups and are currently quantifying pericyte number per islet and the percentage of capillary coverage within pancreatic islets. These analyses will determine whether aging is associated with pericyte loss, providing insight into age-related vascular changes that may contribute to impaired insulin secretion and the development of type 2 diabetes. Supported by NIH/NIGMS IDeA Program Grant #P20GM103408.
Age Related Changes in Pancreatic Islet Pericytes and Capillary Diameter
Aging is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and is associated with progressive declines in pancreatic β-cell function and insulin secretion. Insulin secretion depends on adequate islet blood flow, which is regulated in part by pericytes—contractile cells that control capillary diameter. Preliminary observations from our laboratory indicate that pancreatic islet capillary diameter increases with age; however, whether this vascular enlargement is associated with changes in pericyte number or capillary coverage remains unknown. We hypothesize that aging reduces pericyte number and coverage, thereby increasing islet capillary diameter. To test this hypothesis, pancreatic tissue was collected from young, middle-aged, and old mice. Tissue sections were immunolabeled for CD31 (blood vessels), NG2 (pericytes), and insulin (pancreatic islets), cleared with ethyl cinnamate, and imaged using confocal microscopy. Quantitative image analysis was performed using FIJI. We successfully identified pericytes across all age groups and are currently quantifying pericyte number per islet and the percentage of capillary coverage within pancreatic islets. These analyses will determine whether aging is associated with pericyte loss, providing insight into age-related vascular changes that may contribute to impaired insulin secretion and the development of type 2 diabetes. Supported by NIH/NIGMS IDeA Program Grant #P20GM103408.