MRI Methods for Imaging Beta-Cell Function in the Rodent Pancreas.

The role of Zn ions in proper storage of insulin in β-cell granules is well-established so when insulin is secreted from β-cells stimulated by an increase in plasma glucose, free Zn ions are also released. This local increase in Zn can be detected in the pancreas of rodents in real time by the use of a zinc-responsive MR contrast agent. This method offers the opportunity to monitor β-cell function longitudinally in live rodents. The methods used in our lab are fully described in this short report and some MR images of a rat pancreas showing clearly enhanced hot spots in the tail are presented.