Rat foetal endocrine pancreas in experimental diabetes.

The endocrine pancreas of foetuses and newborn rats of experimental diabetic mothers showed morphological and ultrastructural changes. Islet hypertrophy and beta cell hyperplasia were constantly present, but the beta cells of foetuses of severely diabetic mothers were degranulated. The ultrastructural changes indicated hyperfunction in the beta cells of foetuses of experimental diabetic mothers. The morphological changes mentioned were similar to those seen in human diabetic pregnancy.