Delta cell
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Delta cells (δ-cells or D cells) are somatostatin producing cells.
They can be found in the stomach, intestine and the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.
In rodents delta-cells are located in the periphery of the islets; in humans the islet architecture is generally less organized and delta-cells are frequently observed inside the islets as well.
In the electron microscope, delta-cells can be identified as cells with smaller and slightly more compact granules than beta cells.
Clinical significance
A tumor of the delta cells is called a “somatostatinoma“.
External links
- D+Cells at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
- Template:EMedicineDictionary
- Template:Dorlands
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