Nesidiodysplasia and Nesidioblastosis of Infancy: Structural and Functional Correlations with the Syndrome of Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia

Subtotal pancreatectomy specimens of seven infants with persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia were studied; all showed the characteristic light microscopic picture of nesidioblastosis. Specimens were studied by electron and conventional light microscopy and by light microscopic immunohistochemistry for insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and HPP (human pancreatic polypeptide); double staining and quantitative methods were also used. Findings were compared with those in age-matched controls.

In the hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemic infants, an increase in total endocrine cell volume was found; however, the typical features of nesidioblastosis were also found in the controls. In both groups, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy suggested that some endocrine cells are capable of producing synchronously more than one hormone. Amphicrine (”composite” or “intermediate”) cells with exocrine and endocrine differentiation were found in three hypoglycemic infants.

Observations are discussed in relation to current concepts of embryo genesis of the gastroenteropancreative endocrine system. We conclude that nesidioblastosis, as defined anatomically cannot be considered as the morphologic basis of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. The term “nesidiodysplasia” is suggested and includes increased, maldistributed, and malregulated or malprogrammed endocrine and amphicrine cells when associated with endocrine abnormality.