Immunohistochemical Localization of D-Aspartate in Islets of Langerhans

抄録

D-Aspartate is a putative modulator of neuroendocrine functions, and is present in various neuroendocrine cells as well as the central nervous system. Here we show that the islet of Langerhans is a D-aspartate-containing endocrine organ. Immunohistochemical analysis with specific antibodies against D-aspartate indicated that D-aspartate is present in all islet cells, and predominantly present in α cells and a subpopulation of F-cells. Since these cells are glutamatergic in nature, it is possible that D-aspartate is involved in the glutamate signaling pathways in the islets.