Little or No Expression of the Cholecystokinin-A Receptor Gene in the Pancreas of Diabetic Rats (Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty=OLETF Rats)

Expression of the CCK-A receptor gene in the pancreas and pancreatic exocrine function was examined in diabetic model rats (OLETF) at 5 wks of age. Little or no CCK-A receptor was detected in the pancreas of OLETF rats. Pancreatic exocrine function in response to exogenous CCK and to bile-pancreatic juice diversion (endogenous CCK) was impaired in conscious OLETF rats. The pancreatic insulin and protein contents of OLETF (Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty) and control LETO (Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka) rats were not significantly different. No histological abnormalities or expression of pancreatitis associated protein (PAP) mRNA was detected in the pancreas in either group. These results suggest that OLETF rats are a new experimental model for congenital deficiency of CCK-A receptor in the pancreas.