Regulation of integrin α6A by lactogenic hormones in rat pancreatic β‐cells: Implications for the physiological adaptation to pregnancy

Aim During pregnancy, the maternal β‐cell mass is increased in order to adapt to the physiological changes in insulin demand. Lactogenic hormones stimulate rodent β‐cell attachment and proliferation in vitro. The aim of this study was to identify adhesion molecules involved in expansion of the β‐cell mass during pregnancy in the rat. Methods Quantitative RT‐PCR was used to evaluate the expression of several integrins and laminins in isolated...