Researchers from the National Cancer Institute in Rockville, Md., found a connection between an increased risk of pancreatic cancer and increased insulin levels and resistance.
Previous studies have reported type 2 diabetes and glucose intolerance to be risk factors for pancreatic cancer; However, it has been unresolved whether diabetes mellitus is involved in pancreatic carcinogenesis or the result of subclinical malignancy. Experimental studies show that insulin has growth-promoting effects on pancreatic cancer cells, and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are known to exhibit hyperinsulinemia during the early stages of their disease.
Rachael Z. Stolzenberg-Solomon, Ph.D., and her team evaluated male smokers who participated in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study to determine whether fasting serum insulin and glucose concentrations were associated with risk for incident pancreatic cancer. Of the 29’133 male Finnish smokers (ages 50-69 years) of the ATCB study, 400 randomly sampled subcohort control participants and 169 incident pancreatic cancer cases occurring after the 5th year of follow-up were included in the National Cancer Institute study.
Results showed that after adjustment for age, years smoked and BMI, higher concentrations of glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance tended to show positive dose-response associations with pancreatic cancer: Diabetes mellitus and insulin concentration in the highest quartile demonstrated a 2-fold increased risk. Moreover, risks were greater among the cases that occurred with longer follow-up time.
The researchers concluded that ‘our results support the hypothesis that higher insulin concentrations and insulin resistance may be a mechanism that explains the associations between diabetes mellitus, higher glucose concentration, and pancreatic cancer observed in previous studies. Although based solely on male smokers, our findings for glucose and biochemical-defined diabetes mellitus are consistent with previous studies conducted in diverse populations that have included women and nonsmokers.’
The study has been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2005;294:2872-2878).
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
pancreas diseases : How Coffee Can Reduce the Risk of Pancreatitis
How Coffee Can Reduce the Risk of Pancreatitis
That coffee can reduce the risk of alcohol-induced pancreatitis has been know for some time, but scientists have so far been unable to determine the processes involved. Professor Ole Peterson and Professor Robert Sutton from the University of Liverpool have now succeeded to shed some light on this question.
In a recent study, they have found that pancreatic acinar cells can be damaged by non-oxidative alcohol metabolites eliciting abnormal cytosolic Ca2+ signals, resulting in necrosis. Necrosis results from excessive loss of Ca2+ from the endoplasmatic reticulum - which is mediated by Ca2+ release through specific channels - and inhibition of Ca2+ pumps in intracellular stores, followed by entry of extracellular Ca2+. The researchers found that these abnormal Ca2+ signals are inhibited by caffeine which can at least partially close these channels, reducing the risk of alcoholic pancreatitis. However, Professor Petersen cautions that ‘The caffeine effect, however, is weak, and excessive coffee intake has its own dangers.’
On the basis of these findings, Professor Peterson, Professor Sutton and their team hope to be able to identify specific chemical agents that target the channels causing the excessive liberation of calcium ions inside the cells. This would be a major step towards the development of a pharmacological treatment for pancreatitis.
The findings are published in Trends in Pharmacological Sciences (2006;27:113-120) and Gastroenterology (2006;130:781-793).
http://www.pancreasweb.com/pancreas.asp?ak=Detail&zaehler=2899
That coffee can reduce the risk of alcohol-induced pancreatitis has been know for some time, but scientists have so far been unable to determine the processes involved. Professor Ole Peterson and Professor Robert Sutton from the University of Liverpool have now succeeded to shed some light on this question.
In a recent study, they have found that pancreatic acinar cells can be damaged by non-oxidative alcohol metabolites eliciting abnormal cytosolic Ca2+ signals, resulting in necrosis. Necrosis results from excessive loss of Ca2+ from the endoplasmatic reticulum - which is mediated by Ca2+ release through specific channels - and inhibition of Ca2+ pumps in intracellular stores, followed by entry of extracellular Ca2+. The researchers found that these abnormal Ca2+ signals are inhibited by caffeine which can at least partially close these channels, reducing the risk of alcoholic pancreatitis. However, Professor Petersen cautions that ‘The caffeine effect, however, is weak, and excessive coffee intake has its own dangers.’
On the basis of these findings, Professor Peterson, Professor Sutton and their team hope to be able to identify specific chemical agents that target the channels causing the excessive liberation of calcium ions inside the cells. This would be a major step towards the development of a pharmacological treatment for pancreatitis.
The findings are published in Trends in Pharmacological Sciences (2006;27:113-120) and Gastroenterology (2006;130:781-793).
http://www.pancreasweb.com/pancreas.asp?ak=Detail&zaehler=2899
Sunday, June 25, 2006
pancreas diseases : Chronic Pancreatitis
This condition occurs mostly in alcoholics or people who repeatedly binge drink alcohol. The main symptoms are recurrent, dull, or moderate pain without the severe toxic features of acute pancreatitis. Treatment consists of rest, medication, and certain food restrictions. Alcohol consumption is absolutely prohibited. However, in cases where damage is extensive, chronic pancreatitis and pain can occur even when alcohol consumption has stopped.
Diagnosis of this condition is made by measuring blood enzymes and by performing abdominal CT, x-rays, and ultrasound exams. An ERCP endoscopic test is often performed. In this test, a flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth into the intestine while the patient is lightly sedated. A small plastic catheter is inserted into the pancreas ducts and an x-ray dye is injected. The internal anatomy of the pancreas can then be viewed by x-ray.
Occasionally a problem develops when the patient becomes dependent on, or even addicted to, narcotic pain medicines used to control symptoms. In some cases, surgery is recommended to provide relief of pain.
Pancreas Enzyme Insufficiency
Digestive enzymes from the pancreas are necessary to break down protein, fat, and carbohydrates in foods that are ingested. When there is a deficiency of these enzymes, nutrients are not broken down, resulting in malnutrition and weight loss. This condition is called malabsorption because the intestine is unable to absorb these vital nutrients.
The two major symptoms are diarrhea (frequently with fat droplets in the stool) and weight loss. This condition can result from any cause of pancreatitis, including trauma and infection. Pancreatic enzymes can be taken by mouth to replace those that are no longer made by the pancreas.
Pancreatic Tumors
The pancreas, like most organs of the body, can develop tumors. Some of these are benign and cause no problems. However, some benign tumors can secrete hormones which, when present in high levels, have a detrimental effect. For example, insulin can be secreted in excessive amounts and result in dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Another hormone, gastrin, can stimulate the stomach to secrete its strong hydrochloric acid causing recurrent stomach and peptic ulcers, with many complications. Fortunately, there is much that can be done about these tumors.
Cancer of the pancreas is a serious malignancy which is difficult to treat. The disorder occurs in middle- or older-aged people, with the first symptom often being dull pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate into the back. At times, skin jaundice occurs when the bile duct, which carries yellow bile from the liver and through the pancreas, is blocked. Surgery is the only effective form of treatment for pancreas cancer.
Summary
The pancreas -- the quiet, hidden gland -- is vital to good health. It is subject to a variety of problems, some of which result from the patient's own actions. There are now effective ways to diagnose pancreatic conditions and, in most cases, good treatment programs can be outlined by the physician.
© Copyright Chek Med Systems®, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Diagnosis of this condition is made by measuring blood enzymes and by performing abdominal CT, x-rays, and ultrasound exams. An ERCP endoscopic test is often performed. In this test, a flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth into the intestine while the patient is lightly sedated. A small plastic catheter is inserted into the pancreas ducts and an x-ray dye is injected. The internal anatomy of the pancreas can then be viewed by x-ray.
Occasionally a problem develops when the patient becomes dependent on, or even addicted to, narcotic pain medicines used to control symptoms. In some cases, surgery is recommended to provide relief of pain.
Pancreas Enzyme Insufficiency
Digestive enzymes from the pancreas are necessary to break down protein, fat, and carbohydrates in foods that are ingested. When there is a deficiency of these enzymes, nutrients are not broken down, resulting in malnutrition and weight loss. This condition is called malabsorption because the intestine is unable to absorb these vital nutrients.
The two major symptoms are diarrhea (frequently with fat droplets in the stool) and weight loss. This condition can result from any cause of pancreatitis, including trauma and infection. Pancreatic enzymes can be taken by mouth to replace those that are no longer made by the pancreas.
Pancreatic Tumors
The pancreas, like most organs of the body, can develop tumors. Some of these are benign and cause no problems. However, some benign tumors can secrete hormones which, when present in high levels, have a detrimental effect. For example, insulin can be secreted in excessive amounts and result in dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Another hormone, gastrin, can stimulate the stomach to secrete its strong hydrochloric acid causing recurrent stomach and peptic ulcers, with many complications. Fortunately, there is much that can be done about these tumors.
Cancer of the pancreas is a serious malignancy which is difficult to treat. The disorder occurs in middle- or older-aged people, with the first symptom often being dull pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate into the back. At times, skin jaundice occurs when the bile duct, which carries yellow bile from the liver and through the pancreas, is blocked. Surgery is the only effective form of treatment for pancreas cancer.
Summary
The pancreas -- the quiet, hidden gland -- is vital to good health. It is subject to a variety of problems, some of which result from the patient's own actions. There are now effective ways to diagnose pancreatic conditions and, in most cases, good treatment programs can be outlined by the physician.
© Copyright Chek Med Systems®, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
pancreas diseases : Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
The main symptoms of pancreatitis are acute, severe pain in the upper abdomen, frequently accompanied by vomiting and fever. The abdomen is tender, and the patient feels and looks ill. The diagnosis is made by measuring the blood pancreas enzymes which are elevated. A sound wave test (ultrasound) or abdominal CT exam often shows an enlarged pancreas. The condition is treated by resting the pancreas while the tissues heal. This is accomplished through bowel rest, hospitalization, intravenous feeding and, pain medications.
When pancreatitis is caused by gallstones, it is necessary to remove the gallbladder. This is usually done after the acute pancreatitis has resolved. At times, an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde CholangioPancreatography) test is recommended. This involves passing a flexible tube through the mouth and down to the small intestine. A small catheter is then inserted into the bile duct to see if any stones are present. If so, they are then removed with the scope.
Course and Outcome
Most patients with this condition recover well, although a few, especially those who have alcohol-induced pancreatitis, may become desperately sick. When recovered, the patient needs to make life-style changes to prevent a recurrence. For example, avoiding alcohol and drugs, reducing blood triglycerides, or having gallbladder surgery.
© Copyright Chek Med Systems®, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
When pancreatitis is caused by gallstones, it is necessary to remove the gallbladder. This is usually done after the acute pancreatitis has resolved. At times, an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde CholangioPancreatography) test is recommended. This involves passing a flexible tube through the mouth and down to the small intestine. A small catheter is then inserted into the bile duct to see if any stones are present. If so, they are then removed with the scope.
Course and Outcome
Most patients with this condition recover well, although a few, especially those who have alcohol-induced pancreatitis, may become desperately sick. When recovered, the patient needs to make life-style changes to prevent a recurrence. For example, avoiding alcohol and drugs, reducing blood triglycerides, or having gallbladder surgery.
© Copyright Chek Med Systems®, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
pancreas diseases : A few special people are needed!!!
The major problem in making advances in understanding and treatment of pancreatic diseases remains funding! The problem is a vicious cycle, with too few active research laboratories, and little chance of new ones emerging because young investigators fear being able to sustained funding.
Today, there are only a few laboratories working on HUMAN pancreatic diseases, and even fewer actively training the next generation of scientists who are dedicated to solving these terrible diseases.
Professor David C Whitcomb, MD PhD leads several of the top pancreatic disease laboratories in the world. His program is expanding in order to more efficiently address the many problems that patients with pancreatic diseases face, and to speed progress toward cures. Major projects are now underway focusing on acute pancreatitis and its complications, all major forms of chronic pancreatitis, pain mechanisms associated with pancreatic disease, early detection and early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, and genetic factors that increase the risk of pancreatic diseases.
If you or a loved one suffers from any of these diseases, and if you want 100% of your financial support to go directly to research focused on one of these problems, then this is the place for you to make a significant contribution.
Special gifts, including major endowments, named laboratories, or memorial lectureships are available. Please contact Joy at 412 648 3232 for details.
End of year gifts, or any gift can be made to the specific program of your choice through the University of Pittsburgh via the United Way – (number #1267216). The professional staff at the University of Pittsburgh will ensure that you obtain appropriate tax credit.
Copyright © 2000 Cybergene Diagnostics. All Rights Reserved.
Today, there are only a few laboratories working on HUMAN pancreatic diseases, and even fewer actively training the next generation of scientists who are dedicated to solving these terrible diseases.
Professor David C Whitcomb, MD PhD leads several of the top pancreatic disease laboratories in the world. His program is expanding in order to more efficiently address the many problems that patients with pancreatic diseases face, and to speed progress toward cures. Major projects are now underway focusing on acute pancreatitis and its complications, all major forms of chronic pancreatitis, pain mechanisms associated with pancreatic disease, early detection and early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, and genetic factors that increase the risk of pancreatic diseases.
If you or a loved one suffers from any of these diseases, and if you want 100% of your financial support to go directly to research focused on one of these problems, then this is the place for you to make a significant contribution.
Special gifts, including major endowments, named laboratories, or memorial lectureships are available. Please contact Joy at 412 648 3232 for details.
End of year gifts, or any gift can be made to the specific program of your choice through the University of Pittsburgh via the United Way – (number #1267216). The professional staff at the University of Pittsburgh will ensure that you obtain appropriate tax credit.
Copyright © 2000 Cybergene Diagnostics. All Rights Reserved.
pancreas diseases : pancreas diseases
The pancreas is called the “hidden organ” because it is located deep in the abdomen behind the stomach. It is about six to eight inches long in an adult, and contains thin tubes that join together like the veins of a leaf. The tubes join to form a single opening into the intestine that is located just beyond the stomach. Due to its location deep within the body, access to the pancreas as well as diagnosis of disease can be difficult.
The pancreas is essential to the digestive process in two ways. It produces juices and enzymes that flow through its tubes into the intestine where they mix with food. The enzymes digest fat, protein and carbohydrates so they can be absorbed by the intestine. The pancreas also produces insulin, which is picked up by the blood flowing through the organ. Insulin is important in regulating the amount of sugar or glucose in the blood, which is the body’s main source of energy.
©2006 Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia
The pancreas is essential to the digestive process in two ways. It produces juices and enzymes that flow through its tubes into the intestine where they mix with food. The enzymes digest fat, protein and carbohydrates so they can be absorbed by the intestine. The pancreas also produces insulin, which is picked up by the blood flowing through the organ. Insulin is important in regulating the amount of sugar or glucose in the blood, which is the body’s main source of energy.
©2006 Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia
Friday, June 09, 2006
pancreas diseases : Common conditions of the pancreas
Diabetes Mellitus
A lack of sufficient insulin is the cause of many cases of diabetes. Insulin is needed to help glucose -- a major source of energy -- enter the body’s cells. It is not known why insulin-producing cells in the pancreas die off. When they stop functioning, glucose accumulates in the blood and eventually spills into the urine. People with this condition require daily injections of insulin. Over time, high levels of glucose in the blood result in significant changes in blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys, heart, legs and nerves. Damage to these vital organs represents the major risk to people with diabetes mellitus.
People who develop diabetes later in life seem to have sufficient insulin in the pancreas, but for an unknown reason, the insulin is not available for the body’s use. These people are typically overweight and so losing weight is critical for them. Oral medications can be taken that help release insulin from the pancreas. It is crucial for people with diabetes to maintain normal or near-normal levels of glucose in their blood to prevent or delay complications of diabetes.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in the United States and around the world. The disease, which cuts across all racial and socio-economic lines, is difficult to treat. It is estimated that 25,000 people die from the disease each year. The disease primarily occurs in middle-aged or older adults. The first symptom is often dull pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate into the back. Sometimes, skin jaundice occurs when the bile duct that carries yellow bile from the liver and through the pancreas is blocked. The only effective treatment for pancreatic cancer is surgery.
Acute Pancreatitis
This condition occurs when the pancreas becomes severely inflamed very quickly. The major causes are heavy alcohol ingestion (binge alcohol drinking); gallstones or gallbladder disease (especially when a gallstone becomes lodged in the main bile duct next to the pancreas); trauma; drugs; high blood fats or heredity. Sometimes the cause of pancreatitis is unknown.
Chronic Pancreatitis
This condition mainly occurs in alcoholics or people who binge drink alcohol on a regular basis.
Pancreas Enzyme Insufficiency
Digestive enzymes from the pancreas are necessary to break down protein, fat and carbohydrates in foods that we eat. When there’s too little of these enzymes, nutrients are not broken down and malnutrition and weight loss result. Major symptoms are diarrhea and weight loss. Pancreatic enzymes can be taken by mouth to replace those that are no longer produced by the pancreas.
Pancreatic Tumors
The pancreas can develop tumors. Many of these are benign and are not a problem. Some benign tumors can secrete high levels of hormones that can have a harmful effect. This can happen if insulin is secreted in large amounts resulting in very low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Gastrin is another hormone that can stimulate the stomach to secrete its strong hydrochloric acid resulting in recurrent stomach ulcers. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options for these tumors.
©2006 Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia, PA, member of Jefferson Health System.
A lack of sufficient insulin is the cause of many cases of diabetes. Insulin is needed to help glucose -- a major source of energy -- enter the body’s cells. It is not known why insulin-producing cells in the pancreas die off. When they stop functioning, glucose accumulates in the blood and eventually spills into the urine. People with this condition require daily injections of insulin. Over time, high levels of glucose in the blood result in significant changes in blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys, heart, legs and nerves. Damage to these vital organs represents the major risk to people with diabetes mellitus.
People who develop diabetes later in life seem to have sufficient insulin in the pancreas, but for an unknown reason, the insulin is not available for the body’s use. These people are typically overweight and so losing weight is critical for them. Oral medications can be taken that help release insulin from the pancreas. It is crucial for people with diabetes to maintain normal or near-normal levels of glucose in their blood to prevent or delay complications of diabetes.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in the United States and around the world. The disease, which cuts across all racial and socio-economic lines, is difficult to treat. It is estimated that 25,000 people die from the disease each year. The disease primarily occurs in middle-aged or older adults. The first symptom is often dull pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate into the back. Sometimes, skin jaundice occurs when the bile duct that carries yellow bile from the liver and through the pancreas is blocked. The only effective treatment for pancreatic cancer is surgery.
Acute Pancreatitis
This condition occurs when the pancreas becomes severely inflamed very quickly. The major causes are heavy alcohol ingestion (binge alcohol drinking); gallstones or gallbladder disease (especially when a gallstone becomes lodged in the main bile duct next to the pancreas); trauma; drugs; high blood fats or heredity. Sometimes the cause of pancreatitis is unknown.
Chronic Pancreatitis
This condition mainly occurs in alcoholics or people who binge drink alcohol on a regular basis.
Pancreas Enzyme Insufficiency
Digestive enzymes from the pancreas are necessary to break down protein, fat and carbohydrates in foods that we eat. When there’s too little of these enzymes, nutrients are not broken down and malnutrition and weight loss result. Major symptoms are diarrhea and weight loss. Pancreatic enzymes can be taken by mouth to replace those that are no longer produced by the pancreas.
Pancreatic Tumors
The pancreas can develop tumors. Many of these are benign and are not a problem. Some benign tumors can secrete high levels of hormones that can have a harmful effect. This can happen if insulin is secreted in large amounts resulting in very low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Gastrin is another hormone that can stimulate the stomach to secrete its strong hydrochloric acid resulting in recurrent stomach ulcers. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options for these tumors.
©2006 Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia, PA, member of Jefferson Health System.
pancreas diseases : Pancreas diseases and treatment
What is the pancreas?
The pancreas is an elongated gland of about 8" that is positioned horizontally behind the lower portion of the stomach. The head of the pancreas rests against the wall of the duodenum, a section of the small intestine, and it extends outward toward the spleen. This surrounded location makes access to the pancreas difficult.
What are the major functions of the pancreas?
The pancreas does two jobs. It secretes three enzymes that aid digestion of carbohydrates (amylase), proteins (trypsin), and fats (lipase). Scattered throughout the pancreas are tiny clusters of cells, the Islets of Langerhans, which act as an endocrine gland, producing hormones including insulin, glucagon, and somastatin. Essential for metabolizing carbohydrates and regulating blood sugar, or glucose, insulin's main function is to lower blood glucose by stimulating the body's cells to burn glucose for energy. Glucagon has the opposite effect by converting glycogen to glucose in the liver, thus elevating blood sugar. These and other complex metabolic functions are regulated by the pancreatic islets.
http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/cs/programs/pancreas/pancreatic.html
The pancreas is an elongated gland of about 8" that is positioned horizontally behind the lower portion of the stomach. The head of the pancreas rests against the wall of the duodenum, a section of the small intestine, and it extends outward toward the spleen. This surrounded location makes access to the pancreas difficult.
What are the major functions of the pancreas?
The pancreas does two jobs. It secretes three enzymes that aid digestion of carbohydrates (amylase), proteins (trypsin), and fats (lipase). Scattered throughout the pancreas are tiny clusters of cells, the Islets of Langerhans, which act as an endocrine gland, producing hormones including insulin, glucagon, and somastatin. Essential for metabolizing carbohydrates and regulating blood sugar, or glucose, insulin's main function is to lower blood glucose by stimulating the body's cells to burn glucose for energy. Glucagon has the opposite effect by converting glycogen to glucose in the liver, thus elevating blood sugar. These and other complex metabolic functions are regulated by the pancreatic islets.
http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/cs/programs/pancreas/pancreatic.html
Thursday, June 01, 2006
pancreas diseases : Pancreatic Endocrine Hormones and Their Purpose
Insulin
Purpose: Regulate blood glucose (sugar) in the normal range (lots more about this)
Action: Forces many cells of the body to absorb and use glucose thereby decreasing blood sugar levels
Secreted in response to: High blood glucose
Secretion inhibited by: Low blood glucose
Disease due to deficient action: Diabetes (large section of Endocrine Web is devoted to Diabetes).
Disease due to excess action: Hypoglycemia
Tumor called: Insulinoma. Please see this link for more information "Insulinoma.Net".
Glucagon
Purpose: Assist insulin in regulating blood glucose (sugar) in the normal range (actions are opposite of insulin)
Action: Forces many cells of the body to release (or produce) glucose (increasing blood sugar)
Secreted in response to: Low blood glucose
Secretion inhibited by: High blood glucose
Disease due to deficient action: Some times nothing, sometimes hypoglycemia
Disease due to excess action: Hyperglycemia
Tumor called: Glucagonoma (new page about this soon)
Somatostatin
Purpose: Regulate the production and excretion of other endocrine tumors
Action: Slows down production of insulin, glucagon, gastrin, and other endocrine tumors
Secreted in response to: High levels of other endocrine hormones
Secretion inhibited by: Low levels of other endocrine hormones
Disease due to deficient action: Poorly defined
Disease due to excess action: Diabetes (inhibits insulin production), gallstones, and dietary fat intolerance.
Tumor called: Somatostatinoma (new page about this soon)
Gastrin
Purpose: Assist in digestion within the stomach
Action: Induce acid producing cells of the stomach to produce acid
Secreted in response to: Food in the stomach and intestines
Secretion inhibited by: Absence of food in stomach and intestines
Disease due to deficient action: Poorly defined, some times no symptoms at all
Disease due to excess action: Stomach ulcers due to excess stomach acid
Tumor called: Gastrinoma (also called Zollinger Ellison Syndrome) (new page about this soon)
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP)
Purpose: Help control water secretion and absorption from the intestines
Action: Causes intestinal sells to secrete water and salts into the intestines (inhibit absorption)
Secreted in response to: Unclear
Secretion inhibited by: Unclear
Disease due to deficient action: No symptoms at all
Disease due to excess action: Severe watery diarrhea and salt (potassium) imbalances
Tumor called: VIPoma
pancreas diseases
Copyright ?1997-2003. Endocrine Web and the Norman Endocrine Surgery Clinic. All rights reserved.
Purpose: Regulate blood glucose (sugar) in the normal range (lots more about this)
Action: Forces many cells of the body to absorb and use glucose thereby decreasing blood sugar levels
Secreted in response to: High blood glucose
Secretion inhibited by: Low blood glucose
Disease due to deficient action: Diabetes (large section of Endocrine Web is devoted to Diabetes).
Disease due to excess action: Hypoglycemia
Tumor called: Insulinoma. Please see this link for more information "Insulinoma.Net".
Glucagon
Purpose: Assist insulin in regulating blood glucose (sugar) in the normal range (actions are opposite of insulin)
Action: Forces many cells of the body to release (or produce) glucose (increasing blood sugar)
Secreted in response to: Low blood glucose
Secretion inhibited by: High blood glucose
Disease due to deficient action: Some times nothing, sometimes hypoglycemia
Disease due to excess action: Hyperglycemia
Tumor called: Glucagonoma (new page about this soon)
Somatostatin
Purpose: Regulate the production and excretion of other endocrine tumors
Action: Slows down production of insulin, glucagon, gastrin, and other endocrine tumors
Secreted in response to: High levels of other endocrine hormones
Secretion inhibited by: Low levels of other endocrine hormones
Disease due to deficient action: Poorly defined
Disease due to excess action: Diabetes (inhibits insulin production), gallstones, and dietary fat intolerance.
Tumor called: Somatostatinoma (new page about this soon)
Gastrin
Purpose: Assist in digestion within the stomach
Action: Induce acid producing cells of the stomach to produce acid
Secreted in response to: Food in the stomach and intestines
Secretion inhibited by: Absence of food in stomach and intestines
Disease due to deficient action: Poorly defined, some times no symptoms at all
Disease due to excess action: Stomach ulcers due to excess stomach acid
Tumor called: Gastrinoma (also called Zollinger Ellison Syndrome) (new page about this soon)
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP)
Purpose: Help control water secretion and absorption from the intestines
Action: Causes intestinal sells to secrete water and salts into the intestines (inhibit absorption)
Secreted in response to: Unclear
Secretion inhibited by: Unclear
Disease due to deficient action: No symptoms at all
Disease due to excess action: Severe watery diarrhea and salt (potassium) imbalances
Tumor called: VIPoma
pancreas diseases
Copyright ?1997-2003. Endocrine Web and the Norman Endocrine Surgery Clinic. All rights reserved.
pancreas diseases : The Endocrine Pancreas
The human pancreas is an amazing organ with two main functions: [1] to produce pancreatic endocrine hormones (e.g., insulin & glucagon) which help regulate many aspects of our metabolism and [2], to produce pancreatic digestive enzymes. The hormone function of the pancreas is the emphasis of this portion of Endocrine Web ~ this is referred to as the Endocrine Pancreas. Pancreatic production of insulin, somatostatin, gastrin, and glucagon plays an important role in maintaining sugar and salt balance in our bodies and therefore any problem in the production or regulation of these hormones will manifest itself with problems with blood sugar and fluid / salt imbalances.
The digestive portion of the pancreas makes up more than 90 percent of its total cell mass. The digestive (or exocrine) pancreas is responsible for making digestive enzymes which are secreted into the intestines to help digest (break down) the food we eat. These enzymes digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into much smaller molecules so our intestines can absorb them. The picture above is an accurate representation of the pancreas which lies next to the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine right after the stomach). The actual size of the pancreas is similar to a banana which has been stepped on...it has a slight curve to it, and its about the same length, width, and thickness. The yellow "tube" running through the middle of the pancreas is called the pancreatic duct. It drains all the digestive enzymes from the pancreatic cells where they are made into the duodenum where they mix with food as it comes out of the stomach.
The Endocrine Pancreas
The emphasis of the remainder of these pages within Endocrine Web is on the Endocrine Pancreas. Approximately 5 percent of the total pancreatic mass is comprised of endocrine cells. These endocrine cells are clustered in groups within the pancreas which look like little islands of cells when examined under a microscope. This appearance led to these groups of pancreatic endocrine cells being called "Pancreatic Islets". Within pancreatic islets are cells which make specific pancreatic endocrine hormones, of which there are only a few (the most famous of course being insulin). These cells within the islets are called "Pancreatic Islet Cells".
Pancreatic islets are scattered throughout the pancreas. Like all endocrine glands, they secrete their hormones into the bloodstream and not into tubes or ducts like the digestive pancreas. Because of this need to secrete their hormones into the blood stream, pancreatic islets are surrounded by small blood vessels. This relationship is shown in the picture of a pancreatic islet where islet cells are secreting their hormones into nearby blood vessels. Remember, the purpose of endocrine cells is to make hormones which are secreted into the blood stream where they gain access to other cells very far away with the goal of making those cells respond in a specific fashion.
Copyright ?1997-2003. Endocrine Web and the Norman Endocrine Surgery Clinic. All rights reserved.
The digestive portion of the pancreas makes up more than 90 percent of its total cell mass. The digestive (or exocrine) pancreas is responsible for making digestive enzymes which are secreted into the intestines to help digest (break down) the food we eat. These enzymes digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into much smaller molecules so our intestines can absorb them. The picture above is an accurate representation of the pancreas which lies next to the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine right after the stomach). The actual size of the pancreas is similar to a banana which has been stepped on...it has a slight curve to it, and its about the same length, width, and thickness. The yellow "tube" running through the middle of the pancreas is called the pancreatic duct. It drains all the digestive enzymes from the pancreatic cells where they are made into the duodenum where they mix with food as it comes out of the stomach.
The Endocrine Pancreas
The emphasis of the remainder of these pages within Endocrine Web is on the Endocrine Pancreas. Approximately 5 percent of the total pancreatic mass is comprised of endocrine cells. These endocrine cells are clustered in groups within the pancreas which look like little islands of cells when examined under a microscope. This appearance led to these groups of pancreatic endocrine cells being called "Pancreatic Islets". Within pancreatic islets are cells which make specific pancreatic endocrine hormones, of which there are only a few (the most famous of course being insulin). These cells within the islets are called "Pancreatic Islet Cells".
Pancreatic islets are scattered throughout the pancreas. Like all endocrine glands, they secrete their hormones into the bloodstream and not into tubes or ducts like the digestive pancreas. Because of this need to secrete their hormones into the blood stream, pancreatic islets are surrounded by small blood vessels. This relationship is shown in the picture of a pancreatic islet where islet cells are secreting their hormones into nearby blood vessels. Remember, the purpose of endocrine cells is to make hormones which are secreted into the blood stream where they gain access to other cells very far away with the goal of making those cells respond in a specific fashion.
Copyright ?1997-2003. Endocrine Web and the Norman Endocrine Surgery Clinic. All rights reserved.
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