Expression and location of nestin in pancreas of E18.5, newborn and adult rats

AIM: To study the expression of nestin in the levels of protein and nucleotide in pancreas of E18.5, newborn and adult rats. METHODS: The mRNA of nestin was amplified by RT PCR, and the number of nestin positive cells and the levels of nestin protein were investigated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Nestin was expressed in E18.5, newborn and adult phases. Nestin positive cells were mostly located in islets and slightly in periacinal exocrines. CONCLUSION: With the development of rat pancreas,the expression of nestin in the levels of nucleotide and protein declines, the percentage of nestin positive cells in islets also decreases.