Epsilon cell Epsilon cell Epsilon cells (ε-cells) are endocrine cells found in the Islets of Langerhans and produce the hormone ghrelin. They were discovered in mice. In human fetal pancreases, single epsilon cells scattered in primitive exocrine tissue were observed to start aggregating into clusters after gestational week 13. From gestational week 21, epsilon cells were observed around developing islets, forming an almost continuous layer at the rim of the islets. In adult pancreas samples, they remained localized on the mantle of the islets in different amounts. Production of ghrelin with insulin, glucagon, or somatostatin was not detected during development. Co-production with
Chain Islets Chain Islets The Chain Islets and Great Chain Island (occasionally Great Chain Islet) are a group of at least 18 islets situated off the east coast of Oak Bay, British Columbia, Canada. They lie in Mayor Channel about halfway between Mary Tod Island (W) and Discovery Island (E). Most of the islets are very small, rocky, and are unnamed, except for Great Chain Island which is covered in grass and herbaceous cover with occasional shrub thickets. The islets are noted as an important gathering place for harbor seals in the summer and for many seabirds such as seagulls and cormorants.