Immunohistochemical study on the insulin-immunoreactive cells in the developing pancreas of the Korean native goat (Capra hircus)

The distribution and relative frequency of insulin-immunoreactive cells in the pancreas was studied during developmental stages (fetus, neonate, 1-month-old, 6-month-old and adult) of the Korean native goat by immunohistochemical methods. The different distribution and relative frequency of glucagon-immunoreactive cells in the pancreas of the Korean native goat was observed during development. Insulin-immunoreactive cells were detected in the exocrine and endocrine portions (pancreatic islets) of the all ages, and in the duct of the 6-month-old. The relative frequencies of these cells were increased in the pancreatic islets with ages but decreased in the exocrine portions. Generally, they were distributed in the interacinar spaces or central zone of the pancreatic islets in all ages. However, the distributions and relative frequencies in the pancreatic islets of the neonate Korean native goat were divided into three patterns : 1) located in the inner zone with numerous frequencies, 2) the peripheral zone of the pancreatic islet with moderate frequencies and 3) the peripheral zone of the pancreatic islet with a few frequencies patterns.