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Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas

Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas

The pancreas, a vital organ within the abdominal cavity, plays dual roles in the digestive and endocrine systems, collaborating with exocrine and endocrine cells to maintain optimal digestion and blood sugar levels.
Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
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Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion

Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion

The pancreatic islets comprising only 1%-2% of the volume are highly vascularized and innervated mini-organs. They contain five endocrine cell types, including β cells that secrete insulin, which is synthesized as a single polypeptide chain, preproinsulin, processed to proinsulin, and finally to insulin and C-peptide. This process is complex and regulated, involving the Golgi complex, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the secretory granules of the β cell.
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...

The Endocrine System

The Endocrine System

The endocrine system is an extensive network of glands – organs or tissues in the body that create chemicals that control many bodily functions, that secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers that play essential roles in regulating various bodily functions. These hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. They require specific receptors to convey signals to cells possessing these corresponding receptors. This complex signaling mechanism ensures that every...

Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose

Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose

Insulin is released by beta cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are high. It facilitates glucose absorption and utilization in insulin-dependent cells with insulin receptors on their plasma membranes. Insulin promotes glucose uptake by increasing the number of glucose transport proteins in the cell membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell. As a result, glucose utilization and ATP production are enhanced.
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Pancreas

Pancreas

The pancreas, an essential organ in the human body, is a pinkish-gray elongated structure located posterior to the stomach. It extends laterally from the duodenum towards the spleen and is firmly bound to the posterior wall of the abdominal cavity. The organ's surface has a lumpy, lobular texture that gives it a unique appearance.
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Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Surgical Injury to the Mouse Pancreas through Ligation of the Pancreatic Duct as a Model for Endocrine and Exocrine Reprogramming and Proliferation

Surgical Injury to the Mouse Pancreas through Ligation of the Pancreatic Duct as a Model for Endocrine and Exocrine Reprogramming and Proliferation

Published on: August 7, 2015

ENDOCRINE FUNCTION OF THE SURGICALLY REDUCED PANCREAS.

B A Houssay¹, V G Foglia, F S Smyth

¹Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Journal of Experimental Medicine

|October 30, 2009

Summary

Even with significant pancreatic tissue removed, dogs can maintain normal blood sugar. However, a smaller remaining pancreas (4 gm) shows reduced insulin secretion capacity under stress, impacting glucose regulation and diabetes development.

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Last Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Surgical Injury to the Mouse Pancreas through Ligation of the Pancreatic Duct as a Model for Endocrine and Exocrine Reprogramming and Proliferation

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Isolation of Human Islets from Partially Pancreatectomized Patients

Isolation of Human Islets from Partially Pancreatectomized Patients

Published on: July 30, 2011

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Physiology

Background:

The pancreas plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels through insulin secretion.
Partial pancreatectomy can impact the organ's functional reserve.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the functional capacity of a reduced pancreas in maintaining glycemic control.
To assess the relationship between pancreatic remnant size and insulin secretion reserve.

Main Methods:

Partial pancreatectomy was performed on dogs, reducing pancreatic weight to 4 gm or 10 gm.
Glycemic response to intravenous glucose load was measured.
Sensitivity to diabetogenic agents (anterior hypophysis extract) was assessed.
Functional recovery after pancreatic grafting in pancreatectomized animals was evaluated.

Main Results:

Dogs with a 4 gm or 10 gm pancreatic remnant could maintain normal glycemic levels under basal conditions.
A 4 gm pancreatic remnant exhibited diminished insulin secretion capacity under strain.
A 10 gm remnant showed variable capacity, ranging from normal to decreased.
Reduced pancreatic function was evidenced by prolonged hyperglycemia after glucose challenge and increased sensitivity to diabetogenic agents.
Grafting of reduced pancreatic tissue demonstrated that recovery time was inversely proportional to the weight of the transplanted tissue.

Conclusions:

The size of the pancreatic remnant significantly influences its capacity to secrete insulin and maintain glycemic homeostasis, particularly under stress.
A critically reduced pancreas (e.g., 4 gm) has a limited functional reserve, increasing susceptibility to hyperglycemia and diabetes.
Pancreatic tissue weight is a key determinant of functional recovery and glycemic control restoration.