Anti-HPa2 Antibody, clone DHIC2-2B4 clone DHIC2-2B4, from mouse

Pancreas performs both the endocrine and the exocrine function. The bulk of pancreas is composed of exocrine cells that produce digestion enzymes which are released into ducts to be emptied into the duodenum. The endocrine pancreas is composed of islets of Langerhans that produce hormones. At least five distinct endocrine cell types have been identified in the endocrine pancreas, each producing a different hormone. Beta cells produce insulin, which is considered as an anabolic hormone and regulates blood glucose levels and is also involved in fat and protein synthesis. Alpha cells produce glucagon that acts when blood glucose levels are low. Ductal cells of pancreas form the epithelial lining of the branched tubes that deliver digestive enzymes into the duodenum. They also secrete bicarbonate to neutralize acidic contents coming in from stomach. Duct cells may contribute up to 10% of all pancreatic cells. Acinar cells function as a unit of the exocrine pancreas and they synthesize, store, and secrete digestive enzymes (lipase, alpha amylase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin), which under normal physiological conditions are activated only after reaching the duodenum. Premature activation of these enzymes within pancreatic acinar cells can lead to acute pancreatitis. Clone DHIC2-2B4 can be used to detect alpha cells in human pancreatic islets. (Ref.: Dorrell, C., et al. (2008). Stem Cell Research (2008). 1(3); 183-194; Grapin-Botton, A (2005). Int. J. Biochem. Cell Biol. 37(3); 504-510; Leung, PS (2006). Int. J. Biochem. Cell Biol. 38(7); 1024-1030).