Identification of stem cells in-vivo opens up the possibility of their expansion in-vitro, exploiting their multipotency in treating diabetes type 1 and type 2. Little is known about the relationship between a common pancreatic transcription factor (Pdx-1) and stem cell markers (CK19, CD29, CD56) in mice during pancreatic organogenesis. In this study the focused was on the prenatal immunohistochemical expression of stem cell markers (Pdx-1, CK19, CD29, and CD56) with special reference to their site and degree of expression during the prenatal pancreatic organogenesis. Material and Methods: Whole embryos and pancreatic tail of different prenatal groups (days 13, 15, & 18) were stained by H&E and immunohistochemically stained for Pdx-1 and stem cell markers, CK19, CD29, and CD56. Data was statistically analyzed for the evaluation of changes in the pattern and the degree of expression of stem cell markers in the pancreas. Results: Pdx-1 a transcription factor with role in pancreatic organogenesis was expressed in the duct, acini and islets in all ages. CK19 was expressed in the duct at day 13 and 15 prenatally, but in islet at day 18. Acinus and islets were positive for CK19 at all ages. CD29 on the other hand had positive expression in the duct while acini and islets had it at day 18 only. The acinar and islet cells were positive for CD56 at day 18 only. In conclusion, PDX-1 a transcription factor is vital in early pancreatic organogenesis whereas CK19, CD26 and CD56 are purportedly involved in generation of β-cells.

Key words: CD29: Integrin beta-1, CD56: Neural Cell adhesion molecule, CK19: Cytokeratin 19, H&E: Hematoxylin and eosin stain, Pdx-1: Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1