Apoptosis and proliferation of acinar and islet cells in chronic pancreatitis: evidence for differential cell loss mediating preservation of islet function

摘要

Background: Chronic pancreatitis is characterised clinically by early exocrine insufficiency, with diabetes mellitus occurring as a late phenomenon. This is mirrored pathologically by extensive acinar cell destruction and islet preservation. The mechanisms underlying this differential rate of cellular destruction are unknown.