Summary
In the islet of Langerhans of the cat, the beta cell shows great variation in both form and content, supporting the concept of a beta cell secretion cycle. The beta cells are described as a series of cells, at the extremes of which are dark and light forms. These forms differ from previous descriptions of beta cells in other species and indicate that a species difference may be present. A hypothesis for the method of formation of the beta granular vesicle is discussed, and evidence is presented that the release of the beta granule from the beta cell occurs by a process of intracytoplasmic dissolution. A close relationship between nerve fibres and beta cells is observed, and the presence of synaptic vesicles in the nerve fibres suggests that beta cells are innervated. Many of these fibres appear to be adrenergic in nature. The delta cell in the cat appears to be an active cell and, as delta-type granules occur in beta cells, there may be a relation between these two types of cells.
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The author wishes to thank Dr. D. G. Silva and Dr. A. S. Wilson for their valuable help and criticism during the preparation of this manuscript. The assistance of Mrs. J. Baillie and the photographic help of Mr. J. S. Simmons, F.R.P.S., are gratefully acknowledged.
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Legg, P.G. The fine structure and innervation of the beta and delta cells in the islet of Langerhans of the cat. Zeitschrift für Zellforschung 80, 307–321 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00339324
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00339324