ENDOCRINE PANCREAS MORPHOGENESIS OF BUFO-BUFO DURING METAMORPHOSIS

Anatomical modifications, immunohistochemistry and cytology of the pan creas during metamorphosis of Bufo bufo were studied. Endocrine insuli n-producing cells appear at the beginning of metamorphosis, cells prod ucing glucagon, somatostatin (14) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) appe ar together, a few days later. Extensive anatomical remodelling, deter mined by programmed cell death and mitosis occurred during metamorphic climax and later, until the adult structure is attained.