Pancreatic Beta-Cell Web: Its Possible Role in Insulin Secretion

Abstract

A cortical band of fine microfilaments is consistently observed in the beta cells of the rat pancreas. Alteration of this cell web by cytochalasin B is associated with an enhancement of glucose-induced secretion of insulin by isolated islets. The microfilamentous web of the beta cell may play an important role in the emiocytosis of insulin secretory granules, by controlling their access to the cell membrane.