Glucose transport in interlobular ducts isolated from rat pancreas

Abstract

Exocrine pancreas is composed of acinar units and the duct system. Acinar cells secrete digestive enzymes and small amount of Cl --rich fluid, while ductal epithelium lining small (proximal) pancreatic ducts secretes large amount of HCO3 --rich isotonic fluid. Endocrine islets of Langerhans are dispersed throughout the exocrine tissue. A number of functional interrelations exist between exocrine and endocrine pancreas and most of them are mediated by the islet-acinar portal blood system that islet peptides directly regulate acinar cells (1). Exocrine dysfunction is frequently found in patients with type-I (insulin-dependent) and type-II (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus (DM). Fluid and HCO3-secretion, as well as enzyme secretion, are reduced in DM (2), suggesting that both acinar and ductal functions are impaired. It is generally accepted that PROCEEDINGS Glucose transport in interlobular ducts isolated from rat pancreas