The Difference δ-Cells Make in Glucose Control

Physiology (Bethesda). 2018 Nov 1;33(6):403-411. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00029.2018.

Abstract

The role of beta and α-cells to glucose control are established, but the physiological role of δ-cells is poorly understood. Delta-cells are ideally positioned within pancreatic islets to modulate insulin and glucagon secretion at their source. We review the evidence for a negative feedback loop between delta and β-cells that determines the blood glucose set point and suggest that local δ-cell-mediated feedback stabilizes glycemic control.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Glucose / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin Secretion / physiology
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / metabolism
  • Islets of Langerhans / metabolism
  • Somatostatin-Secreting Cells / metabolism*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin
  • Glucose