Differential expression of chemokines in normal pancreas and in chronic pancreatitis

L Saurer ¹, P Reber , T Schaffner

⁰Department of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.

Gastroenterology +

|

January 29, 2000

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Chemokines like MCP-1 are expressed in chronic pancreatitis, recruiting immune cells. Their differential expression suggests a role in disease initiation and progression.

Area Of Science

Gastroenterology
Immunology
Molecular Biology

Background

Cellular infiltrates are characteristic of early chronic pancreatitis.
The mechanisms driving immune cell recruitment in this condition remain unclear.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the differential expression of specific chemokine genes in normal and chronic pancreatitis tissues.
To identify the cellular sources of these chemokines within the pancreas.

Main Methods

In situ hybridization was used to detect messenger RNA (mRNA) for chemokines (interleukin 8, ENA-78, MIG, MCP-1, I-309).
Pancreatic tissues from 23 chronic pancreatitis patients and 4 healthy controls were analyzed.

Main Results

MCP-1 mRNA was found in various cells (ducts, endothelium, macrophages, T cells) in mildly to moderately altered tissues.
Interleukin 8 and ENA-78 mRNA were primarily in centroacinar ducts of more advanced lesions.
MIG mRNA was expressed by infiltrating T cells, while I-309 mRNA was present in normal and altered acini.

Conclusions

Distinct chemokine gene expression patterns were observed in pancreatic parenchyma and infiltrates of chronic pancreatitis patients.
These findings strongly implicate specific chemokines in the initiation and perpetuation of chronic pancreatitis.

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