Histology and cytology of the islets of Langerhans in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

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Abstract
The histology and cell types of the islets of Langerhans were studied in the Mongolian gerbil during post-natal development using granule stains, fluorescence methods and electron microscopy. Relative islet volume, islet size distribution, islet-duct association, islet-fat association, α- and D cell populations and the size distribution of secretion granules in islet cells were quantified. In adult gerbils islets have an elliptical profile enclosed by a thin collagenous capsule, a central core of β-cells, a peripheral shell of α-cells and an incomplete layer of D cells between. In animals of 1 week or less, islets lack a capsule, are poorly vascularized and not innervated, though α-, β- and D cells are present. α-Cells exhibit green fluorescence during these early stages that disappears when adrenergic nerve fibres grow into the islets. Electron microscopy shows a fourth (unidentified) granular islet cell type, and small granular cells, that probably correspond to intensely fluorescent cells, were found within islets and neuroinsular complexes.