Neurohormonal control of exocrine pancreatic secretion.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Investigations into the neural and hormonal control of pancreatic exocrine function have led to many exciting discoveries over the past year. This review seeks to identify those articles that further our understanding into the complex relation of the varying factors regulating pancreatic secretion.

RECENT FINDINGS

Major findings include the new insights into the regulation of the pancreas through receptor-mediated mechanisms, investigations of pancreatic exocytosis, impairment of pancreatic exocrine function by insulin deficiency, the effects of surgical interventions for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis on pancreatic exocrine function, how exocrine function is altered by the cause of acute pancreatitis, and clinical observations relating to management of pancreatic disease and investigations of pancreatic function testing.

SUMMARY

Over the past year, substantial new information has been published on the neurohormonal control of pancreatic exocrine function. These data provide insights into the physiology and pathophysiology of pancreatic secretion and diseases of exocrine insufficiency.