Islets of Langerhans: dye coupling among immunocytochemically distinct cell types

Abstract

Cells in isolated rat islets of Langerhans were microinjected with Lucifer Yellow CH in a medium containing 16.7 millimolar glucose. Dye was rapidly transferred from the injected cell to neighboring islet cells without specificity with regard to the immunocytochemical identity of either the donor or the recipient cells. The transfer of dye between the islet cells (types A, B, and D) demonstrates homologous and heterologous cell coupling in a system where the normal proportions and relationships of the cell types are maintained.