Gland
Pancreatic delta cell
A local somatostatin regulator within the islet
High-yield
Pancreatic delta-cell somatostatin chiefly provides local restraint on neighboring endocrine cells. The hormone's wider inhibitory actions depend on where it is produced or delivered.
Overview
Delta cells are a minority endocrine population scattered among other islet cells. Their somatostatin provides local inhibitory signals that shape insulin and glucagon secretion. This pancreatic role is distinct from somatostatin production elsewhere in the gut and hypothalamus.
Reference facts
- Location
- Interspersed within islets, forming a variable small fraction of the endocrine cell population.
- Hormones
- Somatostatin, an inhibitory peptide also produced by distinct gastrointestinal and hypothalamic cells.
- Blood supply
- Shares the dense islet capillary network, with local cell processes and diffusion contributing to paracrine communication.
- Innervation
- Nutrients reaching the cells, neural inputs and neighboring endocrine signals regulate secretion; pancreatic cells do not directly sample the intestinal lumen.
- Function
- Modulates local insulin and glucagon release and contributes to coordinated nutrient handling.
Clinical correlation
Rare somatostatin-secreting neuroendocrine tumors can cause a syndrome including diabetes, gallstones and fat malabsorption. Many somatostatin-expressing tumors do not produce the full clinical syndrome.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the pancreatic delta cell located?
The pancreatic delta cell lies interspersed within islets, forming a variable small fraction of the endocrine cell population.
What does the pancreatic delta cell secrete?
The pancreatic delta cell secretes somatostatin, an inhibitory peptide also produced by distinct gastrointestinal and hypothalamic cells.
What does the pancreatic delta cell do?
Modulates local insulin and glucagon release and contributes to coordinated nutrient handling.
What is the blood supply of the pancreatic delta cell?
Shares the dense islet capillary network, with local cell processes and diffusion contributing to paracrine communication.