The life story of the pancreatic B cell

摘要: Most research on the pancreatic B cell has so far focussed regulation and molecular biology of insulin biosynthesis release. The present review draws attention to some additional areas islet which have become accessible investigation by recent methodological progress may advance our understanding role in diabetes. There is now evidence suggest that cells arise from a pool undifferentiated precursor fetal newborn pancreas. These contribute growth and, if inappropriately stimulated, also early hyperplasia. In postnatal state, B-cell function finely tuned complex set incoming signals, one nutrient supply provided blood. Recent studies indicate disproportionately high fraction blood diverted islets flow increased glucose. An acute stimulus release thus be accompanied process enhances distribution hormone target cells. Long-term adjustments are made changes number total mass. Adaptive responses an demand occur hereditary diabetic syndromes animals, but these there inherited restriction capacity for proliferation leading further deterioration glucose tolerance. Some suggests similar mechanism operate human non-insulin-dependent A critical appraisal this hypothesis requires, however, should tested their characteristics. Studies experimental animals shown passes through cycle at relatively rate proliferating low. Regulation mass seems take place passing rather than cycle. shows marked decrease with age. It uncertain what extent regulatory mechanisms apply it can anticipated technical developments will elucidate problem.