ISLET HYPERTROPHY IN OBESITY OF MICE BEARING ACTH-SECRETING TUMORS1

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Abstract
The weight gain in mice bearing ACTH-secreting anterior pituitary tumors is caused by excessive growth of adipose tissue of normal composition. The islets of obese mice show hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and degranulation of beta cells, the degree of which is closely related to the extent of the obesity. The islet enlargement is caused by increase in size and number of beta cells. In severe adiposity, marked central cavitation of the islet was observed. Islet hypertrophy also develops, to a lesser degree, in animals maintained on restricted amounts of food. Despite weight loss, these animals are relatively fat. It is theorized that increased insulin secretion induces adipose tissue growth and obesity in these animals.