Neurohumoral control of the exocrine pancreas

Recent advances in the study of pancreatic exocrine secretion are reviewed, with emphasis on neurohumoral mechanisms. Pancreatic exocrine and endocrine function are precisely regulated and involve both neural and hormonal mediators. The role of gut peptides continues to be an active area of investigation. The stimulatory role of the adrenergic component of the sympathetic nervous system and vagal control of hormone-stimulated pancreatic exocrine secretion are described. Studies of the peptidergic nervous system support the importance of both stimulatory (cholecystokinin) and inhibitory (pancreatic peptide) peptides in the coordination of exocrine pancreatic secretion. Molecular biology techniques have elucidated peptide signaling pathways for humoral mediators of pancreatic secretion. The role of nitric oxide on pancreatic blood flow and pancreatic secretion is explored. The properties of proteins that stimulate hormone release and pancreatic secretion are discussed. Finally, the role of growth factors on pancreatic duct growth and pancreatic cancer is reviewed. These findings over the past year elucidate some of the complex neurohormonal factors that regulate pancreatic function.

Duke Scholars

Author Rodger Alan Liddle Medicine, Gastroenterology