Quantitative study of the islets of langerhans of the beagle as a function of age

Abstract The volume of the islets of Langerhans of the beagle was studied as a function of age and body weight. A statistically significant correlation was found between the total islet volume/total pancreatic volume vs. age for the beagle from birth to the weaning age of 8 weeks. A statistically significant difference was observed between the curvilinear regressions of the males and females in this age group. No statistically significant correlation were found in the beagles older than 8 weeks with regard to the total islet volume/total pancreatic volume vs. age, with or without taking into account body weight. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the average volume of an islet and the body weight of the beagle, independent of age. The physiologic implications of these findings are considered briefly.