Medical Encyclopedia
Islets of Langerhans
(also called islands or isles of Langerhans)
Islets of Langerhans
(also called islands or isles of Langerhans)
The endocrine tissue of the pancreas includes the islets of Langerhans. This area is responsible for the production and release of certain hormones into the bloodstream. The main three types of cells that produce hormones in the islets of Langerhans are:
- Alpha cells - release the hormone glucagon, which triggers the release of glycogen form liver stores and helps to raise the level of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream
- Beta cells - release the hormone insulin, which help regulate carbohydrate metabolism into the bloodstream, and
- Delta cells - release the hormone somatostatin into the bloodstream that acts as an inhibitor to the pituitary hormone called somatotropin and helps tell the body when to make other hormones like insulin, glucagon, gastrin, renin, and secretin.
All persons with the juvenile form of type 1 diabetes need to take insulin to live.