[Age-specific morphophynctional features of pancreatic endocrine apparatus in rats.]

Dysfunctions of endocrine organs play a priority role in the disruption of the regulation of normal functioning of the aging body. In the study age-related morphological and functional changes in the rat pancreatic insula apparatus have been investigated. With age fibrosis increased in both the pancreatic islets and exocrine pancreas. Non-functional hypertrophy of the islets, mainly due to the proliferation of connective tissue, was observed in rats under conditions of physiological aging. Immunohistochemical and biochemical studies revealed depletion of the islets insulin-producing function, development of hyperglycemia, accumulation of glycated proteins in the blood and change in oxidative stress indicators in 24-month-old rats.