PyCreas: a tool for quantification of localization and distribution of endocrine cell types in the islets of Langerhans

Manifest diabetes, but also conditions of increased insulin resistance such as pregnancy or obesity can lead to islet architecture remodeling. The contributing mechanisms are poorly understood the consequences altered cell arrangement. For quantification different types frequency cell-cell contacts within islets, approaches exist. However, few methods available characterize distribution in a statistically valid manner. Here we describe PyCreas, an open-source tool written Python that allows semi-automated analysis based on images pancreatic sections stained by immunohistochemistry immunofluorescence. To ensure PyCreas is suitable for quantitative islets at metabolic states, studied localization and alpha, beta, delta cells during gestation prediabetes. We compared from metabolically healthy NMRI mice with New Zealand obese (NZO) mice, which exhibit impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) both preconceptionally gestation, C57BL/6 N (B6) acquire this IGT only gestation. Since substrain(s) NZO known show variant Abcc8 gene, additionally examined preconceptional SUR1 knock-out (SUR1-KO) mice. provided evidence alterations gene associated pattern cells. Moreover, our data indicate cannot be consequence prolonged hyperglycemia, already prediabetic state. Furthermore, suggests states transient IGT, common gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), not changes observed long-term IGT. provides ability systematically analyze stages disease better understand underlying pathophysiology.