The surface structure of isolated pancreatic islet cells.

The surfaces of isolated pancreatic islet cells were studied with the scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Islets were isolated from the pancreas of Wistar rats by collagenase treatment and were incubated either in glucose-free medium or in 300 mg% glucose for one hour. Immunoreactive insulin (IRI) in the media of both control and experimental preparations was assayed. Islets were then transferred to 4% glutaraldehyde, buffered with cacodylate, pH 7.4, and prepared for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Cell masses average 200 mu in diameter. Alpha cells appear pyramidal in shape, are about 8 mu in diameter and appear in groups. Beta cells are round or oval in shape and have an average diameter of 10 mu. Glucose stimulation raised the IRI value tenfold and increased the number of blebs and other surface irregularities per unit area of beta cell surface. Comparison with transmission electron micrographs suggests that the blebs are related to the process of emiocytosis.