HISTOGENESISAND DISTRIBUTION OF ISLETS IN HUMAN FETAL PANCREAS

The pancreas is a mixed exocrine and endocrine gland. Diabetes currently afflicts about 200 million people all over the world, and it is well known that the endocrine component of the pancreas has a direct correlation with the severity, morbidity, and treatment of the disease. Studies conducted in human fetal pancreas are very limited owing to ethical and technical issues. In cases of type I Diabetes mellitus, the knowledge of stepwise histogenesis of the endocrine component would be largely helpful to the surgeons for pancreatic transplant, and planning treatment protocols for pancreatic cancer.Study was performed on 30 aborted fetuses from 12 to 40 weeks, collected from Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Institute, after due permission from institutional research and ethical committee. Pancreatic tissue was processed and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin stains and examined for different components of pancreas correlating with development and distribution of islets.The parenchyma, exocrine and endocrine component of pancreases were observed. There was correlation between histogenesis of pancreas with regard to gestational age, gender, diabetic history of mother, congenital anomalies in fetus and distribution of islets throughout pancreas. Study would be helpful to know about the changes in histological development of fetal pancreas in relation to different gestational age and for planning treatment modalities for Diabetes and pancreatic diseases.