Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 27, 2026

Preparation of Pancreatic Acinar Cells for the Purpose of Calcium Imaging, Cell Injury Measurements, and Adenoviral Infection
Published on: July 5, 2013
The hypocalcemia of acute pancreatitis
Abstract:
Variables of calcium metabolism were measured in 11 patients with clearly documented acute pancreatitis. Total and ionized calcium levels were either low or in the low-normal range as were phosphorus and total magnesium levels. Parathyroid hormone levels were high, and there was a significant inverse correlation with ionized calcium. Gastrin levels were normal, calcitonin values were uniformly below the detection limit of the assay, and pancreatic glucagon levels were elevated. The hypocalcemia of acute pancreatitis was probably not caused by abnormalities of glucagon, calcitonin, or gastrin secretion. Furthermore, parathyroid hormone secretion was apparently not impaired. Hypomagnesemia possibly played a minor role. This study suggests that the hypocalcemia of acute pancreatitis is secondary to extraskeletal calcium sequestration or an as yet unidentified defect of bone metabolism, or both.
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Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
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Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology

