AN ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDY OF SYNTHESIS AND RELEASE OF BETA GRANULES IN THE HUMAN PANCREAS

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Abstract
The mechanism of synthesis and release of beta granules has been studied by electron microscopy in normal, hyperfunctioning and hypofunctioning human pancreatic tissue. The core of beta granules shows a great variation in structure and electron density supporting the concept that beta granules exhibit different secretory cycles. Granules were tentatively divided into three groups on the basis of differences in electron density of the granule core. Type one granule is considered to be a storage granule, whereas type two granule is thought to participate in the active release of insulin by intracytoplasmic dissolution. Type three granule is thought to be intermediate in structure between the first two types. It is concluded that granular insulin is formed in the Golgi complexes where the progressive development of the granule takes place.