Pancreatic sympathetic innervation disturbance in type 1 diabetes

Pancreatic sympathetic innervation can directly affect the function of islet. The disorder of sympathetic innervation in islets during the occurrence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been reported to be controversial with the inducing factor unclarified. Several studies have uncovered the critical role that sympathetic signals play in controlling the local immune system. The survival and function of endocrine cells can be regulated by immune cell infiltration in islets. In the current review, we focused on the impact of sympathetic signals working on islets cell regulation, and discussed the potential factors that can induce the sympathetic innervation disorder in the islets. We also summarized the effect of interference with the islet sympathetic signals on the T1D occurrence. Overall, a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory effect of sympathetic signals on islet cells and local immune system could facilitate better strategies design to control inflammation and protect β cells in T1D therapy.