Β-cells of rats pancreas and their supposed precursors during alloxan diabetes and after the action of Plaferon LB.

Using the methods of light and electron microscopy, pancreas was studied in the experimental model (Rats-30) of alloxan diabetes - one month from alloxan injection and after the action of Plaferon LB (amniotic interferon). Special emphasis was made on display of extra-islet cells. Data obtained suggest that extra-islet cells exist in the rats pancreas with alloxan diabetes. Some of these cells were located near the acini, others were in close contact with duct cells. The border between acinar and extra islet cells were well preserved. Plaferon LB has shown positive influence on the content of sugar in the blood of the rats with alloxan diabetes. After the action of Plaferon LB there were detected extra-islet cells which contained insulin granules. Investigation have shown that most of these cells which can potentially differentiated into β-cells are extra-islet cells with granules specific for insulin secreting β-cells. Some of these extra-islet cells including exocrine and endocrine granules. Some of them can belong to the pancreas acinar or ductul cells. It is possible, that these extra-islet cells have ability differentiate into β-cells and are their precursors. Currently, during pathological processes extra-islet cells are in the resting condition and have transitory structure under differentiation into insulin producing β-cells. Presumably Plaferon LB promote maturation and differentiation of extra-islet cells and takes part in the renewal processes of β-insulocytes. Investigation have shown, that damaged pancreas has capacity of generating new β-cells after activation with external stimuli.