This presentation describes a novel application of a method based on direct tissue mass spectrometry that has been shown to consistently detect whole peptide secretions from individual isolated rat pancreatic islets. Somewhat surprisingly, the most prominent peaks corresponded to peptides known to be secreted from pancreatic islets and peak intensities corresponded well with expected secretion quantities. Expected islet responses to diabetes were also observed. Possible mechanisms by which these peptides are extracted by laser ionisation will be discussed. This method has potential to provide further insights into the physiology and control of pancreatic islet secretions as well as providing a rapid method for research and clinical assessment of islet function.