Islet Cells and Islet Cell Antibodies
Islet cells are located in the pancreas and make hormones, including
insulin, glucagon, somatomammotropin, and pancreatic polypeptide. In some
people, the immune system produces islet cell antibodies, which attack and
destroy the islet cells as though they were foreign substances. This can lead
to serious health conditions, such as type 1 diabetes.
Last Revised:
September 20, 2012
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Jennifer Hone, MD - Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism