PANCREATIC-ISLETS OF MALNOURISHED RATS - QUANTITATIVE HISTOLOGIC AND ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC FINDINGS

Abstract

Young rats were maintained for 3 wk on a low-protein diet. These animals developed many of the features of human protein-calorie deficiency, including dextrose intolerance and diminished insulin release. Quantitative histologic and ultrastructural studies showed that malnourished rats had a reduced total pancreatic islet volume and a preponderance of pale granules in the B cells. Pale B granules may contain increased amounts of insulin, which accumulate in the cells because of defective insulin release. The mechanism responsible for this was not elucidated.