The Islets of Langerhans

The Islets of Langerhans: Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pathology reviews the state of knowledge in the complex phenomena involved in the functioning of the multiendocrine organ, the islet of Langerhans, and the various influences that can lead to its abnormal functioning. The volume highlights major gaps in knowledge and indicates the directions for research on the major functioning of this organ and the defects leading to its major pathology, diabetes mellitus.
The book is organized into three parts. Part I provides the necessary background information on the nature and development of the islet of Langerhans. It includes studies on the evolution of knowledge of the ever-increasing number of cell types found in islet tissue; and fetal development of the functional capacities of the islet cells. Part II is devoted to the synthesis and secretion of islet hormones, beginning with a chapter on the membrane transport systems of islet tissue as a prelude to subsequent examination of their role in the regulation of these processes. Part III examines the effects of deleterious conditions and agents on the morphology and function of islet cells.
This book is intended for researchers in endocrinology, particularly those interested in pancreatic hormones, graduate students in endocrinology, and medical endocrinologists interested in diabetes. It will also be useful to physiologists and biochemists studying peptide synthesis and secretion.

Contenu

List of Contributors

Foreword

Preface

I. Morphology and Development of Islet Tissue

1. Morphological Characterization of Islet Cell Diversity

   I. Introduction

   II. Cells (ß Cells)

   III. A Cells (a Cells and a2 Cells)

   IV. C Cells

   V. D Cells (a1 Cells)

   VI. Cells

   VII. F Cells (PP Cells)

   VIII. Other Islet Cells

   IX. Innervation

   X. Vasculature

   References

2. Functional Development of the Pancreatic Islets

   I. Introduction

   II. Stages of Metabolic Ontogeny

   III. Development of the Pancreas

   IV. Development of Related Endocrine Function

   V. Development of Target Systems

   VI. Role of Nutrition

   References

II. Synthesis and Secretion of Islet Hormones

3. Transport Systems of Islet Cells

   I. Introduction

   II. Sugars

   III. Amino Acids

   IV. Inorganic Ions

   V. Biogenic Amines

   VI. Sulfonylureas

   VII. Methylxanthines

   VIII. Thiol Reagents

   IX. ß-Cytotoxic Agents

   X. Markers for Transmembrane pH or Electrical Potential Gradients

   References

4. Biosynthesis of Insulin

   I. Insulin Biosynthesis

   II. Regulation of Insulin Biosynthesis

   References

5. Interactions of Cell Organelles in Insulin Secretion

   I. Plasma Membrane

   II. Insulin Secretory Granules

   III. Microtubules and Microfilaments

   IV. Emiocytosis

   V. Concluding Comments

   References

6. Metabolic Controls of Insulin Secretion

   I. Introduction

   II. General Considerations

   III. Insulin Secretory Responses to Potential ß-Cell Metabolic Substrates

   IV. Experimental Manipulations

   V. Metabolites and Cofactors of Possible Importance in Stimulus-Secretion Coupling

   VI. Conclusions

   References

7. Inorganic Ions in Insulin Secretion

   I. Introduction

   II. Participation of Ions in the Recognition of Insulinotropic Agents

   III. Participation of Ions in the Coupling of Stimulation to Release

   IV. Participation of Ions in the Mechanical Events Leading to Insulin Release

   V. Conclusion

   References

8. Interrelationships between Prostaglandins and Biogenic Amines during Modulation of Beta-Cell Function

   I. Introduction

   II. Actions of Prostaglandins and Biogenic Amines on Insulin Secretion

   III. Biogenic Amines and Beta-Cell Function

   IV. Interrelationships between Prostaglandins and Biogenic Amines

   V. Implications for the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

   References

9. Biosynthesis of Glucagon and Somatostatin

   I. Introduction

   II. Glucagon Biosynthesis

   III. Somatostatin Biosynthesis

   IV. Discovery of Preproglucagons and Preprosomatostatins

   V. Conversion of Islet Prohormones at the Subcellular Level

   VI. Current Directions in Research on Islet Hormone Biosynthesis

   References

10. Secretion of Glucagon

    I. Introduction

    II. Determinants of Glucagon Secretion

    III. Future Research Directions

    References

11. Somatostatin and Its Role in Insulin and Glucagon Secretion

    I. Introduction

    II. Actions of Somatostatin on the Release of Pancreatic Hormones

    III. Radioimmunoassay for Somatostatin

    IV. Release of Pancreatic Somatostatin

    V. Physiological Role of Somatostatin in the Pancreas

    VI. Conclusions

    References

12. Synthesis, Storage, Secretion, and Significance of Pancreatic Polypeptide in Vertebrates

    I. Introduction

    II. Cellular Origin

    III. Synthesis and Chemistry

    IV. Secretion: Prandial, Neural, and Hormonal Correlates

    V. Function of Pancreatic Polypeptide

    VI. Pathophysiological Correlates

    VII. Summary of Current Information

    Significant Reviews

    References

III. Pathology of the Islets of Langerhans

13. Islet Changes in Human Diabetes

    I. Historical Background

    II. Quantitative Islet Changes

    III. Qualitative Islet Changes

    IV. Changes in the Exocrine Pancreas

    V. Morphological Aspects of the Pathogenesis of Human Diabetes

    References

14. Animal Models of Spontaneous Diabetes

    I. Introduction

    II. The Chinese Hamster (Cricetulusgriseus)

    III. The db Mouse (C57BL/KsJdb)

    IV. The KK Mouse

    V. The Spiny Mouse (Acomys cahirinus)

    VI. The BB/Wistar Rat

    VII. The Guinea Pig

    VIII. The Sand Rat (Psammomys obesus)

    IX. Clinical Diabetes

    X. Overview and Future Research Needs

    References

15. Action of Toxic Drugs on Islet Cells

    I. Introduction

    II. Alloxan

    III. Streptozotocin

    References

16. Role of Viruses in Diabetes

    I. Mechanisms of Virus-Induced Cell Disease

    II. Laboratory Techniques for Studying Virus-Pancreatic Beta-Cell Interactions

    III. Association of Viral Infections in Humans with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

    IV. Animal Models of Diabetes Mellitus with a Definite or Possible Viral Etiology

    V. Interrelationship of Viral Infection and Autoimmunity

    VI. Recent Epidemiological Studies

    VII. Summary

    References

17. Autoimmunity and Diabetes

    I. Introduction

    II. Evidence for Autoimmunity in Diabetes

    III. The Genetics of IDDM

    IV. Environmental Triggers for Autoimmune IDDM

    V. Future Directions

    References

18. Insulin, Glucagon, and Somatostatin Interaction in Diabetes

    I. Introduction

    II. Normal Alpha-Cell Function

    III. Disordered Alpha-Cell Function in Diabetes Mellitus

    IV. Islet Cell Hormone Interaction in Diabetes

    V. Therapeutic Implications

    References

Index