DZellen

DZellen, also known as D-Zellen in German-language literature, refers to the delta cells of the pancreas. Delta cells are one of the principal endocrine cell populations within the Islets of Langerhans and constitute a small fraction of islet cells compared with insulin- and glucagon-secreting cells.

Delta cells secrete somatostatin, a peptide hormone that broadly inhibits the release of several other hormones, including insulin, glucagon, and pancreatic polypeptide, and that slows gastric emptying and intestinal motility. In the pancreas and gut, somatostatin acts mainly in a paracrine manner to regulate neighboring alpha and beta cell activity and to modulate exocrine pancreatic function. The two major bioactive forms are SST-14 and SST-28.

Release of somatostatin is stimulated by elevated nutrient levels, particularly glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids, and by neural and hormonal signals. It is modulated by feedback from nearby islet cells, enabling delta cells to adjust the islet hormone balance during nutrient flux.

Delta-cell density and function can vary across species and individuals. Clinically, somatostatin-producing tumors (somatostatinomas) are rare but can cause diabetes-like symptoms, steatorrhea, and gallbladder disturbances due to excessive somatostatin.

In summary, DZellen denotes the pancreatic delta cells in some German sources, and the term is used interchangeably with D‑Zellen. In English-language literature, delta cells is preferred.