PCOL 838 Disorders of the Exocrine
Pancreas
What histologic features are associated with pancreatic secretion of digestive enzymes
into the GI tract? - ANS-**Acinar cells secrete digestive enzymes**
Ductal cells secrete pancreatic juice containing NaHCO3
What are the neural and hormonal controls over exocrine pancreatic function? -
ANS-Hormonal regulation
• Presence of acid in duodenum causes release of Secretin.
• Secretin causes release ofBicarbonate from ductal cells.
• Presence of Fats in duodenum causes release of Cholecytokinin (CCK).
• CCK causes secretion ofpancreatic enzymes from acinar cells.
Neuronal regulation
• Stimulation of parasympatheticpathways innervating thepancreas causes release
ofpancreatic enzymes.
What is the volume, composition, and function of pancreatic juice? - ANS-Electrolytes
(HCO 3- Cl - Na+ K+ <pH8.3, 1.5L)
Active pancreatic enzymes: Lipase, Amylase,Deoxyribonuclease, & Ribonuclease
Zymogens (inactive form of digestive enzymes)
Why does trypsinogen not self-activate before arriving in the duodenum? -
ANS-Premature trypsin activation by Cathepsin B within acinar cells before arriving in
the duodenum can be destructive and may trigger a series of events that lead to
pancreatic self-digestion (e.g., pancreatitis).
What are the presenting symptoms and signs of acute pancreatitis? - ANS-Upper
abdominal pain
• Abdominal pain that radiates to the back
• Abdominal pain that feels worse after eating
• Nausea
•Hypotension
•Diarrhea
Pancreas
What histologic features are associated with pancreatic secretion of digestive enzymes
into the GI tract? - ANS-**Acinar cells secrete digestive enzymes**
Ductal cells secrete pancreatic juice containing NaHCO3
What are the neural and hormonal controls over exocrine pancreatic function? -
ANS-Hormonal regulation
• Presence of acid in duodenum causes release of Secretin.
• Secretin causes release ofBicarbonate from ductal cells.
• Presence of Fats in duodenum causes release of Cholecytokinin (CCK).
• CCK causes secretion ofpancreatic enzymes from acinar cells.
Neuronal regulation
• Stimulation of parasympatheticpathways innervating thepancreas causes release
ofpancreatic enzymes.
What is the volume, composition, and function of pancreatic juice? - ANS-Electrolytes
(HCO 3- Cl - Na+ K+ <pH8.3, 1.5L)
Active pancreatic enzymes: Lipase, Amylase,Deoxyribonuclease, & Ribonuclease
Zymogens (inactive form of digestive enzymes)
Why does trypsinogen not self-activate before arriving in the duodenum? -
ANS-Premature trypsin activation by Cathepsin B within acinar cells before arriving in
the duodenum can be destructive and may trigger a series of events that lead to
pancreatic self-digestion (e.g., pancreatitis).
What are the presenting symptoms and signs of acute pancreatitis? - ANS-Upper
abdominal pain
• Abdominal pain that radiates to the back
• Abdominal pain that feels worse after eating
• Nausea
•Hypotension
•Diarrhea
