Isolated perfused Brockmann body as a model for studying pancreatic endocrine secretion

The release of insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin was investigated in a newly developed in vitro perfusion preparation of the splenic Brockmann body (principal pancreatic islet) of the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). The preparation was viable for up to 7 h by functional and morphological criteria. Glucose evoked a biphasic release of insulin and somatostatin, but had no effect on the release of glucagon. Arginine at basal glucose concentration caused a marked release of insulin and glucagon, but only a minor release of somatostatin.