Insulin-producing cells are bi-potential and differentiatorsprior to proliferation in early human development

摘要

AIM: To investigate the differentiation and migration of endocrine cells to form the pancreatic islets of Langer-hans in early human development.METHODS: Embryonic pancreas of 6-14 wk gestation was observed using immunocytochemistry methods in early human development.RESULTS: Insulin and glucagon are expressed in the same epithelium cells in the pancreas. In addition, insulin-producing cells also secrete somatostatin in early human embryonic development and these insulin-producing cells also express nestin.CONCLUSION: Pancreatic duct epithelial cells that can produce insulin in early human development are precursors and still have the potential to differentiate other endocrine cells. These progenitors have differentiated before migration from primary ductal epithelium to form the pancreatic islets.