CHANGES IN THE GOLGI APPARATUS OF THE ISLETS OF LANGERHANS IN THE RAT FOLLOWING GLUCOSE AND INSULIN ADMINISTRATION1

Abstract

The appearance of the Golgi apparatus of the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans of the rat was studied with a view to finding a better histological criterion of activity than those now available. The Golgi apparatus of the beta cell is clearly distinguishable from that of the alpha cell, since the former is much larger and more elaborate, while the latter is very small and compact. Maintenance of elevated blood glucose levels for 4 hours resulted in an increase in the size and intricacy of the beta cell Golgi apparatus, while at 12 hours the change was even more marked. Attention was then turned to the alpha cells to see if maintenance of hypoglycemia, said to be a stimulus to glucagon release, would produce alterations of their Golgi bodies. Insulin was infused continuously intravenously, resulting in blood glucose levels of 15–30 mg.% over at least a 4-hour period. In spite of the marked hypoglycemia, no changes in the Golgi