Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Establishment of a Mouse Severe Acute Pancreatitis Model using Retrograde Injection of Sodium Taurocholate into the Biliopancreatic Duct
Published on: April 1, 2022
Pancreatic volume associated with endocrine and exocrine function of the pancreas among Japanese alcoholics
Yuji Nakamura1, Susumu Higuchi, Katsuya Maruyama
1National Hospital Organization, Kurihama Alcoholism Center, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan. yuji-nakamura@mtg.biglobe.ne.jp
Background/Aims:
The pancreas is often damaged by excessive alcohol consumption. Because alcohol-related problems and diabetes mellitus (DM) are increasing in Japan, this cross-sectional study was designed to investigate how pancreatic volume (PV, calculated using multi-slice helical computed tomography) represents alcohol consumption and both endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function among alcoholics.
Methods:
Consenting male and female inpatients undergoing psychiatric therapy for alcoholism from June 2003 to May 2004 were subjected to four-slice MCT to determine PV. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and serum lipase levels were examined for endocrine and exocrine pancreatic functions, respectively.
Results:
The average PVs of 535 male and 117 female patients (57.2 +/- 21.91 ml and 54.5 +/- 17.56 ml, respectively) were related to age and height (H) but not to body weight (W). Lipase values had a strong relationship with PV/W. Multiple regression analysis revealed weak associations between PV and both daily ethanol consumption and duration of habitual drinking. The diagnosis of DM in 109 of these alcoholics was more strongly associated with the PV/W value than with PV or PV/H.
Conclusion:
The association of PV with endocrine and exocrine functions suggests new markers, especially PV/W, for the assessment of DM among alcoholic patients.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
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...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
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:
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

