Pancreatic endocrine cells of Barbus conchonius (Teleostei, Cyprinidae), and their relation to the enteroendocrine cells

Abstract

The pancreatic endocrine cells of Barbus conchonius are concentrated in a large (principal) islet, located near the gall bladder, and in a number of smaller islets. Five types of endocrine cells can be distinguished in there pancreatic islets: B cells, A1 (or D cells), 2 types of A2 cells (A2r cells with round granules; and A2fl cells with flocculent granules) and a scarce 5th cell type. The hormones produced by B and A2fl cells are probably insulin and glucagon respectively. The A2r cell contains granules with the same diameter as the granules of the enteroendocrine type III cell of the gut. Both cell types may resemble the enteroglucagon-producing EG cell of mammals. The function of the A1 cells, which are frequently found without secretory granules, and of the 5th cell type, will be discussed. The pancreastic islets of B. conchonius are strongly innervated, which suggests thatpresence of a direct nervous control system. Some intermediate or mixed cells containing exocrine and endocrine A2r granules are found continguous with the principal islet. The origin of pancreatic endocrine cells is also the subject of discussion.