Ultrastructural aspects of hypoglycemia producing pancreatic adenoma with special reference to the release of insulin granules
Cocchieri, G.; Caporale, A.; Faraggiana, T.; Aglietti, L.
Annali Italiani di Chirurgia 51(4): 405-418
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-469X PMID: 229753 Document Number: 150524
The submicroscopic structures of 3 insulinomas are analyzed with emphasis on the formation, morphology and release of insulin granules. There is an inverse correlation between the gravity of this clinical condition and the cellular granularity. This tumor belongs to the 4th classification of Creutzfeldt. In these cases the ultrastructural diagnosis can be difficult. A quiescent state of the perineoplastic .beta.-cells is significant; these cells are rich in mature granules by a compensatory mechanism to the high insulinemia, in association with a blocking of granule release. The accumulation of mature granules is the 1st phase of cellular atrophy. No secreting granules are observed in the endothelial cells; the release of insulin into the circulation apparently occurs by active transit through the intercellular spaces.