Light and electron microscopic study of crocodile islets of Langerhans
Titlbach, M.
Zeitschrift für Mikroskopisch-Anatomische Forschung 95(3): 401-427
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-3107 PMID: 6169221 Document Number: 180887
The tissue of the islets of Langerhans was studied in Alligator mississippiensis and Caiman niger. The distribution of the insular tissue in the pancreas was described from the picture in the light microscope, together with the incidence of characteristic islets, which frequently surround the duct trees, and of scattered insular cells. Five types of endocrine cells, distinguishable by their staining properties and typical EM image, were described in the insular tissue. In addition to A-, B- and D-cells, others which very probably correspond to enterochromaffin and pancreatic polypeptide cells are described. Mixed cells were also found. The pancreatic interstitial connective tissue contains large numbers of nerve fiber bundles: isolated nerve fibers may penetrate to the insular cells. At the site of contact of a nerve ending with an endocrine cell, characteristic thickening of the membranes is sometimes found.