Localization of insulin immunpositive cells and histochemical structure of the pancreas in falcons (Falco Anaumanni)

The present study was conducted to determine the regional distribution of insulin immunpositive cells and histochemical structure of pancreas in falcon (Falco Anaumanni). Falcon pancreas was composed of three different parts as dorsal, ventral and splenic lobes. Those lobes contained acinar cells, pancreatic ducts, alpha, beta and mixed islets. Alpha islets were determined 3-4 unit as large islets in centre of the splenic lobe, but a few as small islets in dorsal and ventral lobes. Beta islets were widespread as small clusters in all lobes which were especially 7-8 units in periphery of the splenic lobe. Furthermore, mixed islets were found abundantly as small or large islets in all lobes. In the streptavidin biotin peroxidase staining of the pancreatic lobes, insulin immunpositive cells were numerous in the centre of beta islets, on the other hand these cells were detected as only one cell or 3-8 immunpositive cell groups in both alpha islets and exocrine tissue. In conclusion, the morphology and insulin immunpositive cells of pancreas in falcons are similar to duck, whereas are different from other avian species such as chicken, goose, and quail.