Question

$\alpha$- and $\beta$-cells in the islets of Langerhans are respectively defunctioned by

• A. Mercuric chloride and alloxan
• B. Alloxan and DDT
• C. Alloxan and cobalt chloride
• D. Cobalt chloride and alloxan

Answer 1

The correct option is D Cobalt chloride and alloxan

• Hormones produced in the pancreatic islets are secreted directly into the blood flow by three types of cells.

1. Alpha cells producing glucagon
2. Beta cells producing insulin and amylin
3. Delta cells producing somatostatin

• Alloxan and Cobalt chloride are compounds widely used by scientists to study cell physiology of islets of Langerhans.
• Alloxan is used to destroy the beta cells while cobalt chloride to destroy alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans. Hence, α- and β-cells in the islets of Langerhans are respectively defunctioned by Cobalt chloride and alloxan.

So, the correct answer is 'Cobalt chloride and alloxan'.