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Endocrine Signaling

Endocrine Signaling

Endocrine cells produce hormones to communicate with remote target cells found in other organs. The hormone reaches these distant areas using the circulatory system. This exposes the whole organism to the hormone but only those cells expressing hormone receptors or target cells are affected. Thus, endocrine signaling induces slow responses from its target cells but these effects also last longer.

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.
The broad head of the pancreas lies within the loop formed by the duodenum, while its slender body reaches towards the spleen. The tail of the pancreas is short...

What is the Endocrine System?

What is the Endocrine System?

The endocrine system sends hormones—chemical signals—through the bloodstream to target cells—the cells the hormones selectively affect. These signals are produced in endocrine cells, secreted into the extracellular fluid, and then diffuse into the blood. Eventually, they diffuse out of the blood and bind to target cells which have specialized receptors to recognize the hormones.

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...

An Overview of the Endocrine System

An Overview of the Endocrine System

The endocrine system, a complex network of glands, orchestrates physiological balance within the body through the production and secretion of hormones. These hormones are chemical messengers in intercellular communication, acting as conduits between the secretory cells and distant target sites. They traverse the circulatory system by being released into the extracellular fluid, and their impact is specific to cells possessing receptors for a particular hormone.
The endocrine system collaborates...

Structures of the Endocrine System

Structures of the Endocrine System

The intricate framework of the endocrine system encompasses a diverse array of glands, with their target tissues and organs strategically distributed throughout the body. Central to this network are the endocrine glands, specialized structures that lack ducts and release hormones directly into the interstitial fluid. Notably, the hypothalamus, a vital neuroendocrine organ situated in the brain, governs neural functions and serves as a potent source of hormonal regulation. Near the hypothalamus...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 4, 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

Can We Re-Engineer the Endocrine Pancreas?

Antonio Citro¹, Harald C Ott^2,3,4

¹Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy.

Current Diabetes Reports

|October 4, 2018

Summary

Tissue engineering aims to regenerate pancreatic endocrine tissue for type 1 diabetes by focusing on extracellular matrix (ECM), vascular networks, and new cell sources. Significant progress has been made, but clinical application requires further research to overcome remaining hurdles.

Keywords:

Decellularization Endocrine pancreas Extracellular matrix Pancreatic islet Type 1 diabetes

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Isolation and Decellularization of a Whole Porcine Pancreas

Isolation and Decellularization of a Whole Porcine Pancreas

Published on: October 10, 2018

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Last Updated: Feb 4, 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

Author Spotlight: Advancing Type 1 Diabetes Research Using Innovative Pancreatic Slice Platforms

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Published on: March 15, 2024

Isolation and Decellularization of a Whole Porcine Pancreas

Isolation and Decellularization of a Whole Porcine Pancreas

Published on: October 10, 2018

Area of Science:

Biomedical Engineering
Regenerative Medicine
Endocrinology

Background:

Type 1 diabetes treatment faces limitations with current beta cell transplantation methods.
Islet isolation disrupts the native vascularized structure and extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to graft loss during the avascular phase post-implantation.

Purpose of the Study:

This review discusses key components for engineering functional endocrine pancreatic tissue.
Focuses on islet niche ECM, vascular network development, and novel endocrine cell sources.

Main Methods:

Explores tissue engineering strategies using native or synthetic ECM scaffolds seeded with islets.
Discusses pre-implantation vascularization and ECM functionalization to promote angiogenesis.
Reviews the use of engineered animals and stem cell-derived endocrine cells for transplantation.

Main Results:

Substantial technological advancements have been achieved in regenerating endocrine pancreatic tissue.
Current approaches show promise but face significant challenges for clinical translation.

Conclusions:

Integrating all essential components of viable endocrine tissue remains a critical hurdle.
Further research is necessary to develop a comprehensive technology for clinical application in type 1 diabetes.