FIG. 6.

Insulin gene transcription factors PDX-1 and MafA protein expression and mRNA are reduced; and CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein β (C/EBPβ) protein expression and mRNA are enhanced in Sprague-Dawley rats chronically treated with MG. Either 0.9% saline or MG (60 mg/kg/day) was delivered by continuous infusion with a subcutaneous osmotic minipump for 28 days to all groups of rats (n = 6 each). The MG scavenger ALA (30 mg/kg/day in drinking water; MG + ALA) or GSH synthesis inhibitor BSO (30 mg/kg/day in drinking water; MG + BSO and BSO) was administered to some groups of rats. The control group received only saline (0.9% by pump). After 28 days, the pancreatic tissue was removed and processed for determination of PDX-1, MafA, and C/EBPβ protein expression by Western blotting (A). B: PDX-1, MafA, and C/EBPβ mRNA were also determined by RT-PCR in pancreatic tissue isolated from groups of rats described above. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001 vs. respective control; †P < 0.05, ††P < 0.01 vs. respective MG group; ‡P < 0.05 vs. respective MG + BSO group.