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Pancreatic Juice and Secretion

Pancreatic Juice and Secretion

Pancreatic juice is a clear fluid produced by the pancreas, containing water, salts, sodium bicarbonate, and enzymes vital for digestion in the small intestine. It helps break down large molecules, facilitating nutrient absorption.
When acidic chyme from the stomach enters the duodenum, it triggers the release of secretin, a hormone that prompts pancreatic juice secretion. After a fatty meal, cholecystokinin, another hormone, stimulates gallbladder contraction and enhances enzyme-rich...

Accessory Organs

Accessory Organs

Accessory organs are those that participate in the digestion of food but do not come into direct contact with it like the mouth, stomach, or intestine do. Accessory organs secrete enzymes into the digestive tract to facilitate the breakdown of food.

Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Acute pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas caused by the early activation of digestive enzymes, leading to the autodigestion of pancreatic tissue. This results in local inflammation and, in severe cases, systemic complications.EtiologyUnderstanding the underlying causes is crucial, as identifying the etiology guides treatment and anticipates complications. Acute pancreatitis can be triggered by various factors, typically grouped into the following clinical categories.Biliary...

Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It can be either acute or chronic.
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:

Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas

Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas

The pancreas, a vital organ within the abdominal cavity, plays dual roles in the digestive and endocrine systems, collaborating with exocrine and endocrine cells to maintain optimal digestion and blood sugar levels.
Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...

Protein Digestion

Protein Digestion

Protein digestion begins in the stomach, where the highly acidic environment can easily disrupt protein structure by exposing the peptide bonds of polypeptide chains. After polypeptide chains are broken into individual amino acids by a series of digestive enzymes, the amino acids are transported to the liver via the bloodstream to produce energy.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Pancreatic Tissue Dissection to Isolate Viable Single Cells

Pancreatic Tissue Dissection to Isolate Viable Single Cells

Published on: May 26, 2023

Pancreatic enzyme products: digesting the changes.

Christopher A Giuliano¹, Michelle L Dehoorne-Smith, Pramodini B Kale-Pradhan

¹Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Detroit, MI.

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy

|May 5, 2011

Summary

Pancreatic enzyme products (PEPs) treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Approved PEPs like Creon, Zenpep, and Pancreaze show efficacy and safety, with Creon recommended for various conditions.

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Published on: April 3, 2026

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology and Pharmacology
Drug Efficacy and Safety Studies

Background:

Pancreatic enzyme products (PEPs) are crucial for managing exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
Historically, PEPs were not subject to formal FDA approval, leading to variability.
Recent FDA actions mandated approval for all PEPs due to concerns over treatment failures.

Purpose of the Study:

To comprehensively review the pharmacology, dosage, efficacy, and safety of marketed pancreatic enzyme products.
To evaluate the current landscape of FDA-approved PEPs for EPI management.

Main Methods:

Systematic literature search of PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, fda.gov, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1966-2011).
Inclusion of human studies assessing the efficacy of approved and potential PEPs.
Keywords: pancreatic enzyme, lipase, Creon, Zenpep, Pancreaze, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).

Main Results:

Currently approved PEPs (Creon, Zenpep, Pancreaze) are delayed-release, enteric-coated formulations.
These products demonstrated efficacy and safety in EPI secondary to cystic fibrosis.
Creon also showed efficacy and safety for EPI from chronic pancreatitis and pancreatectomy; adverse events were comparable to placebo.

Conclusions:

Creon is recommended as a first-line treatment due to its approval for cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatectomy.
The reviewed PEPs offer effective management options for patients with EPI.
Minimal cost differences exist between the approved products.