The Islets of Langerhans

The acinus is a group of cells that make enzymes

Diagram and Photomicrograph of an Islet of Langerhans

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Alpha cells make glucagons

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Beta cells make insulin

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Delta cells make somatostatin  which inhibits and therefore controls the action of other hormones.  It is made by several other tissues as well as the pancreas.

 

Immunoperoxidase staining can help identify the nature of the cells present in the islets of Langerhans. On the right, antibody to insulin has been employed to identify the beta cells. On the left, antibody to glucagon identifies the alpha cells.