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Which hormones are produced by the endocrine pancreas?

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An anatomical illustration of the human pancreas shows its location near the stomach and intestines, a detailed cross-section highlighting ducts and the islet of Langerhans, and an inset of pancreatic tissue histology with labeled alpha, beta, and delta cells. — pancreatic cancer The human pancreas is composed of two main types of tissue: acinar cells and islets of Langerhans. The acinar cells produce digestive enzymes, which are secreted into tiny ducts that feed into the pancreatic duct. Islets of Langerhans are clusters of cells that secrete hormones such as insulin and glucagon directly into a capillary network, which also joins the pancreatic duct.

The endocrine pancreas, specifically the islets of Langerhans, produces several key hormones that regulate metabolic processes. These hormones are secreted by distinct cell types within the islets:12

Insulin: Produced by beta cells, this hormone is essential for regulating carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism by promoting glucose uptake and storage.12
Glucagon: Secreted by alpha cells, it acts as an antagonist to insulin by releasing glucose from the liver and fatty acids from fat tissue.12
Somatostatin: Produced by delta cells, this hormone acts as a strong inhibitor of insulin, glucagon, and growth hormone.1
Pancreatic polypeptide (PP): Produced by PP cells, this hormone is also a major product of the endocrine pancreas.1
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP): Produced by rare D1 cells, it helps regulate blood glucose levels and gastrointestinal fluid secretion.1
Serotonin: Synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, this hormone assists in intestinal motility.1

In the context of pathology, tumors of the endocrine pancreas may result in the hypersecretion of these hormones, such as in insulinomas or gastrinomas.3