The Pancreatic Islet Cell Characterization Kit (SCR045) provides a convenient set of validated antibodies that allows researchers to reliably identify mature pancreatic islets cells. Along with antibodies generated against discrete hormones secreted by alpha, beta, delta and gamma cells of the pancreatic islets, the kit includes PDX-1 (pancreatic duodenal homeobox gene-1), a master regulator of islet cell development and GLUT-2, a glucose transporter present in beta-islet cells. The pancreas functions as both an exocrine and endocrine organ. Exocrine functions include the secretion of digestive enzymes (trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, pancreatic lipase, and amylase) from pancreatic acinar cells into the gastrointestinal tract. Endocrine functions occur within small clusters of heterogeneous cells, called the islets of Langerhans that are dispersed throughout the pancreatic tissue. The pancreatic islets comprise specific cell populations (alpha, beta, delta and gamma cells) that secrete distinct hormones:
Alpha cells: Glucagon
Beta cells: Insulin / proinsulin (c-peptide)
Delta cells: Pancreatic polypeptide (PPP)
Gamma cells: Somatostatin
Diabetes results from the loss or dysfunction of insulin-producing beta-cells in the pancreas. Cell replacement therapies through islet transplantation is considered a potential long term approach to the control of blood glucose levels. However obtaining sufficient quantities of insulin-producing tissues for islet transplantation remains a major impediment. Stem cells (either from embryonic stem cells or from pancreatic progenitors) could potentially provide an abundant alternative source of islet cells for transplantation therapies.