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Review
. 2011 Sep;27(5):439-43.
doi: 10.1097/MOG.0b013e328349e2e1.

Recent advances in pancreatic endocrine and exocrine secretion

Rashmi Chandra  1 , Rodger A Liddle
Affiliations
Review

Recent advances in pancreatic endocrine and exocrine secretion

Rashmi Chandra et al. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2011 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review presents recent advancements in the mechanisms by which integrated signaling mechanisms elicit and regulate pancreatic endocrine and exocrine secretion.

Recent findings: Cholecystokinin (CCK) can stimulate exocrine secretion by acting directly on neurons located in the dorsal motor of the vagus or indirectly by acting on pancreatic stellate cells. The importance of small GTPases such as RhoA and Rac1 in CCK-induced pancreatic secretion is also described. Ghrelin attenuates insulin secretion through the AMP-activated protein kinase-uncoupling protein 2 pathway. An exciting new report describes that leptin can influence insulin release by osteoclastin, a hormone produced by osteoblasts. This finding adds a new layer of complexity in the regulation of insulin secretion with implications for glucose and energy homeostasis. In addition, leptin also mediates insulin secretion through the sympathetic system and via pro-opiomelanocortin neurons, which could serve as the cross-road for leptin and melanocortin signaling pathways. Recent reports on the action of numerous other regulators such as atrial natriuretic peptide, neurotensin, and orexin B are also discussed.

Summary: The pancreas is an extremely complex gland. Elucidation of the secretory and regulatory pathways that control pancreatic secretion will aid in the development of treatment for diseases such as pancreatitis, diabetes, and obesity.

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References

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    1. Phillips PA, Yang L, Shulkes A, et al. Pancreatic stellate cells produce acetylcholine and may play a role in pancreatic exocrine secretion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010;107:17397–17402. This study shows that pancreatic stellate cells can be stimulated by CCK to secrete acetylcholine, which then acts on acinar cells to release enzymes.

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