Glucagon Content of Pancreatic Tissue Devoid of Alpha Cells.

Summary Most of the uncinate process of the dog pancreas is devoid of alpha cells, whereas these are found in the remainder. On the other hand argentaffin cells are sparsely but evenly distributed throughout the pancreas. Extracts of the portion of pancreas devoid of alpha cells show no hyperglycemic activity when 1 g aliquots are used. When 4 g portions are employed, a very mild initial hyperglycemia does occur. These findings are interpreted to support the opinion that glucagon originates from the alpha cells but are not definitive.