HEPATOCYTE-LIKE CELLS IN THE PANCREATIC-ISLETS - STUDY OF THE HUMAN FETAL PANCREAS AND EXPERIMENTAL-MODELS

Objective: To determine the existence of hepatocyte-like cells in the human foetal pancreas. Study design: Foetal pancreas was examined in p arallel with two experimental models involving pancreatic tissue regen eration. Foetal pancreases (n=20; 10 to 18 weeks) were obtained from s pontaneous abortions and were histologically examined using haematoxyl in-eosin and PAS staining. Tissues from food-deprived and copper-defic ient female Wistar rats were studied following D-penicillamine adminis tration, and tissue from female hamsters was evaluated following admin istration of a pancreatic carcinogen. Histological examination in anim al studies included haematoxylin-eosin staining, and diaminobenzidine histochemistry. Results: The presence of a characteristic cell-type wh ose morphology was distinct from islets cells and exocrine pancreas ce lls was observed in human foetal pancreatic islets. These cells were m orphologically similar to hepatocyte-like cells and were compatible to those observed in the experimental models. Topographical relationship s suggest that these originate from stem cells which are related to th e pancreas duct cells. Conclusion: We conclude that hepatocyte-like ce lls or precursors exist in the human foetal pancreas.