Histological changes in the pancreatic islets of alloxan-treated mice, with comments on β-cell regeneration

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Abstract
Although alloxan primarily affects the [beta]-cells of the pancreatic islets, it also effects the exocrine tissue. Three to 4 days after alloxan injection the [beta]-granules completely disappear from the islets, and the islets are composed almost entirely of [alpha]-cells which have proliferated. A small amount of [beta]-cell regeneration occurs from 1 week to 4 months after alloxan injection as a result of the transformation of acinar cells into [beta]-cells. Various stages in the transformation process are described. [beta]-cells were not observed to originate from cells within the islet or from ductal cells. Invasion of islets by acinar cells is also seen; usually these acinar cells are in some stage of the transformation process. An intimate association of neurons and islet cells was seen in both normal and alloxan-treated animals, but was more prominent in the latter. The functional significance of these neuro-insular structures remains unknown. Radio-autographic study with 3H-thymidine yielded no meaningful information as to the source of regenerating cells. The data substantiate the sensitivity of all tissues of the pancreas to the toxic influence of alloxan.