Hepatocyte-like cells in the pancreatic islets: study of the human foetal 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 parallel with two experimental models involving pancreatic tissue regeneration. Foetal pancreases (n = 20; 10 to 18 weeks) were obtained from spontaneous abortions and were histologically examined using haematoxylin-eosin and PAS staining. Tissues from food-deprived and copper-deficient female Wistar rats were studied following D-penicillamine administration, and tissue from female hamsters was evaluated following administration of a pancreatic carcinogen. Histological examination in animal studies included haematoxylin-eosin staining, and diaminobenzidine histochemistry. RESULTS The presence of a characteristic cell-type whose morphology was distinct from islets cells and exocrine pancreas cells was observed in human foetal pancreatic islets. These cells were morphologically similar to hepatocyte-like cells and were compatible to those observed in the experimental models. Topographical relationships suggest that these originate from stem cells which are related to the pancreas duct cells. CONCLUSION We conclude that hepatocyte-like cells or precursors exist in the human foetal pancreas.