The A-and B-cells of the pancreatic islets as sources of the antagonistic hormones glucagon and insulin. The shift of the AB-relation in diabetes mellitus
H Ferner - The American Journal of Digestive Diseases, 1953 - Springer
H Ferner
The American Journal of Digestive Diseases, 1953•SpringerThe islet system of the pancreas is the source of two hormones. The B-cells produce insulin,
the A-cells glucagon. By glycogenolysis in the liver glucagon is able to elevate the blood
sugar level. In the healthy adult a normal AB-relation (20% A-cells, 80% B-cells) exists in the
islet system which is indicative of balanced carbohydrate metabolism. In diabetes mellitus, in
the permanent experimental as well as in the human form, the AB-relation is dislodged with
A-cells predominating in number. The A-cells are stimulated by an alphacytotrophic principle …
the A-cells glucagon. By glycogenolysis in the liver glucagon is able to elevate the blood
sugar level. In the healthy adult a normal AB-relation (20% A-cells, 80% B-cells) exists in the
islet system which is indicative of balanced carbohydrate metabolism. In diabetes mellitus, in
the permanent experimental as well as in the human form, the AB-relation is dislodged with
A-cells predominating in number. The A-cells are stimulated by an alphacytotrophic principle …
Summary
The islet system of the pancreas is the source of two hormones. The B-cells produce insulin, the A-cells glucagon. By glycogenolysis in the liver glucagon is able to elevate the blood sugar level. In the healthy adult a normal AB-relation (20% A-cells, 80% B-cells) exists in the islet system which is indicative of balanced carbohydrate metabolism. In diabetes mellitus, in the permanent experimental as well as in the human form, the AB-relation is dislodged with A-cells predominating in number. The A-cells are stimulated by an alphacytotrophic principle of the hypophysis, which is identical or closely associated with the growth hormone. Following hypophysectomy an atrophy and decrease in the number of A-cells takes place. In the embryo and during childhood, i.e. in intensive phases of growth, there is an absolute or relative preponderance of A-cells when compared with the AB-relation of the adult.
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