Cyproheptadine-induced Insulin Depletion in Rat Pancreatic Beta Cells: Demonstration by Light and Electron Microscopic Immunocytochemistry

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Abstract
Cyproheptadine causes a reversible depletion of extractable immunoreactive insulin in the pancreas of rats given the drug orally. This communication describes the use of the unlabeled antibody enzyme method to demonstrate cyproheptadine-induced insulin depletion by light and electron microscopy. The results confirm that insulin is lost from rat pancreatic beta cells as treatment commences and returns upon cessation of treatment. The small amount of insulin which remains in beta cells of cyproheptadine-treated rats is apparently associated with normal appearing insulin secretory granules. It is not present in substantial amounts elsewhere in the cytoplasm. 1 Supported by USPHS Grant GM 12675.