[Practical immunocytochemistry of the endocrine pancreas]

Complementing cytochemical and ultrastructural studies, immunocytochemistry may be used to define, in terms of immunoreactivity, the nature of the polypeptide(s) made and stored in the cells of the endocrine pancreas, islet or otherwise. Immunoserums are applied to histological sections after fixation of the material in Bouin's fluid, and in accordance with four protocols: indirect immunofluorescence, immuno-enzymatic technique, variants in prolonged primary incubation and the method of soluble peroxidase-antiperoxidase complexes. Certain precautions are essential for correct interpretation. In the adult, four essential immunoreactions, corresponding to hormones or "local hormones" are regularly detected:insulin, pancreatic glucagon, somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide. The cytochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of the cells involved are known (B, A and D cells for the first three specificities). C-peptide immunoreactivity is easily identified, but other immunoreactivities are more irregular or contested: gastrin, cholecystokinin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, ACTH, met-enkephalin.