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Related Concept Videos

Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion01:27

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...
Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas01:16

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.
Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists01:24

Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists

Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Insulin Secretory Vesicles01:05

Insulin Secretory Vesicles

Insulin secretory vesicles release insulin to stimulate blood glucose uptake and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. When the blood glucose levels increase, glucose enters the pancreatic β-islet cells through glucose transporters. Once inside, glucose is metabolized through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. This increase in ATP concentration closes ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to depolarization of the membrane and the opening of...
Hormones Secreted by the Stomach01:25

Hormones Secreted by the Stomach

Enteroendocrine cells, accounting for only 1% of stomach epithelial cells, play a significant role in digestion and are classified by their digestive hormone secretions.
Each of these hormones secreted by different enteroendocrine cells plays a unique role in digestion. Here are a few examples:
Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells01:23

Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells

The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the goblet,...

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Corrigendum to Type 2 diabetes candidate genes, including PAX5, cause impaired insulin secretion in human pancreatic islets.

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Alcohol consumption patterns up to 10 years after bariatric surgery: using the highly specific biomarker phosphatidylethanol.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

Mixed Primary Cultures of Murine Small Intestine Intended for the Study of Gut Hormone Secretion and Live Cell Imaging of Enteroendocrine Cells
09:16

Mixed Primary Cultures of Murine Small Intestine Intended for the Study of Gut Hormone Secretion and Live Cell Imaging of Enteroendocrine Cells

Published on: April 20, 2017

The islet ghrelin cell.

Nils Wierup1, Frank Sundler, R Scott Heller

  • 1Unit of Neuroendocrine Cell Biology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Clinical Research Centre, Scania University Hospital, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, SE 205 02 Malmö, Sweden Imaging Team, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park, DK2760 Måløv, Denmark.

Journal of Molecular Endocrinology
|September 20, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Islet ghrelin cells, discovered recently, regulate glucose homeostasis and insulin levels. Research into their development and potential therapeutic applications for type 2 diabetes is ongoing.

Keywords:
developmentdiabetesghrelinghrelin cellhumanisletmousepancreasrat

More Related Videos

Observing Islet Function and Islet-Immune Cell Interactions in Live Pancreatic Tissue Slices
05:51

Observing Islet Function and Islet-Immune Cell Interactions in Live Pancreatic Tissue Slices

Published on: April 12, 2021

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 7, 2026

Mixed Primary Cultures of Murine Small Intestine Intended for the Study of Gut Hormone Secretion and Live Cell Imaging of Enteroendocrine Cells
09:16

Mixed Primary Cultures of Murine Small Intestine Intended for the Study of Gut Hormone Secretion and Live Cell Imaging of Enteroendocrine Cells

Published on: April 20, 2017

Observing Islet Function and Islet-Immune Cell Interactions in Live Pancreatic Tissue Slices
05:51

Observing Islet Function and Islet-Immune Cell Interactions in Live Pancreatic Tissue Slices

Published on: April 12, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Islets of Langerhans regulate glucose homeostasis.
  • Six cell types (alpha, beta, delta, PP, enterochromaffin, G cells) were previously identified.
  • Islet ghrelin cells were discovered in human islets 11 years ago and are present in various species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on islet ghrelin cells.
  • To explore the developmental regulation and molecular mechanisms of ghrelin cells.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of ghrelin signaling blockade for type 2 diabetes.

Main Methods:

  • Histochemical staining methods
  • Transmission electron microscopy
  • Immunohistochemistry

Main Results:

  • Ghrelin is an insulinostatic hormone.
  • Ghrelin cell presence confirmed in human and animal islets.
  • Studies are elucidating the genetic regulation of ghrelin cell differentiation.

Conclusions:

  • Ghrelin cells are a significant addition to islet cell types.
  • Ghrelin signaling blockade shows therapeutic promise for type 2 diabetes.
  • Ghrelin's role in pancreatic tumors warrants consideration in diagnosis.