Observation on the Gross and Histology of the Exocrine and Endocrine Pancreas in Large White Yorkshire Pig

Background: Islet transplantation is a potential treatment option for selected patients with type 1 diabetes. The limited supply of human islet from cadavers and poor islet yield remains a significant barrier to progress in the field. So, the use of porcine islets holds great promise for large scale application for the transplantation of the islet. The primary aim of this study was to describe the gross and morphological studies of the porcine pancreas to rule out its similarity to human pancreas. Methods: Pancreas was collected from eight apparently healthy Large White Yorkshire pig (6-7 months of age). The gross and morphological studies were analyzed by using different staining techniques. Result: The pancreas appeared as pale pink triangular lobulated gland located along the dorsal aspect of the abdominal cavity behind the stomach having exocrine and endocrine part. Histologically, two types of acinar cell were identified i.e. active and resting acinar cells. The islets were richly vascularized and were separated from the exocrine acini by a thin layer of collagen, elastic and reticular fibers which were seen extending into the interior of the islets. Mainly three types of cells were observed in islets i.e. alpha (A), beta (B) and delta (D) cells. Epithelial duct and secretory cells showed strong positive reaction for both Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Alcian Blue (pH-2.5) whereas islets of Langerhans showed moderate activity for both.