Long cytoplasmic processes in pancreatic polypeptide cells

Abstract

Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) cells were studied in human endocrine pancreatic tumours and in normal human pancreata by immunohistochemical techniques and electron microscopy. The existence of long cytoplasmic processes was demonstrated both in tumours and normal tissue. These processes are in close contact with other endocrine cells or with acinar cells. This particular morphological aspect suggests that PP cells may control the function of other cells via paracrine secretion.