Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
06:44
A Mouse Model for Chronic Pancreatitis via Bile Duct TNBS Infusion
Published on: February 28, 2021
Pancreatic nociception--revisiting the physiology and pathophysiology
Savio G Barreto1, Gino T P Saccone
1Department of Surgery, Modbury Hospital, South Australia, Australia.
Summary
Effective pain management for pancreatic diseases is hindered by poor understanding of pain signaling. Recent research identifies molecular mediators and neuro-immune interactions, but more study is needed for new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pain Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pancreatic diseases present significant pain management challenges.
- Current understanding of pancreatic pain signaling pathways is limited.
- This necessitates a review of existing knowledge and experimental findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of current knowledge on pancreatic pain.
- To emphasize current pain management strategies.
- To highlight recent experimental findings in pancreatic pain research.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search (1965-2011) using EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Cochrane.
- Inclusion of randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.
- Focus on pain and its management in acute pancreatitis (AP), chronic pancreatitis (CP), and pancreatic cancer (PC).
Main Results:
- Identification of molecular mediators like nerve growth factor and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in afferent nerve signaling.
- Animal studies revealed pancreatic receptive fields activated by cholecystokinin octapeptide, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and bradykinin.
- Pancreatic cancer studies indicated neuro-immune interactions involving TRP cation channel V1, artemin, and fractalkine; clinical studies suggested impaired pain modulation and neuropathic mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Current knowledge of pancreatic pain mechanisms remains incomplete.
- Further characterization of mediators and receptors/ion channels on sensory nerve terminals is crucial.
- This research is essential for developing novel pharmaceutical treatments for AP and CP.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:21Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis centers on injury to pancreatic acinar cells, which initiates a cascade of harmful intracellular events.This injury leads to premature activation of trypsinogen to trypsin in the pancreas. Trypsin then activates other digestive enzymes, such as chymotrypsin, elastase, and phospholipase A2, which begin breaking down pancreatic tissue. The resulting autodigestion causes local inflammation, tissue swelling, hemorrhage, and fat necrosis.Injured acinar cells...
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
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...
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...
01:25Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing, relapsing inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible damage to the gland. It results in progressive destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma, fibrosis, and eventual loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. The disease may evolve gradually after multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis or develop independently.EtiologyChronic pancreatitis can arise from a variety of causes:Alcohol use is the leading cause, accounting for 70–80% of...
01:21Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and irreversible inflammation of the pancreas, most often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, but it can also be related to ductal obstruction, smoking, or genetic factors.Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is repeatedly exposed to harmful agents like alcohol, smoking, ductal obstruction, or genetic predisposition. These factors lead to the release of toxic metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, sustaining chronic inflammation in the pancreatic...
01:44Nociception
Nociception—the ability to feel pain—is essential for an organism’s survival and overall well-being. Noxious stimuli such as piercing pain from a sharp object, heat from an open flame, or contact with corrosive chemicals are first detected by sensory receptors, called nociceptors, located on nerve endings. Nociceptors express ion channels that convert noxious stimuli into electrical signals. When these signals reach the brain via sensory neurons, they are perceived as pain. Thus, pain helps the...
01:20Pain
Pain serves as a critical warning signal that alerts the body to potential or actual harm. When mechanical pressure on the skin is intense, such as from a sharp pinch, the sensation transitions from touch to pain. Similarly, extreme temperatures, like a hot pot handle, convert the sensation of heat into pain. Pain can also result from overstimulation of other senses, such as blinding light, loud noise, or the intense heat from habañero peppers. This ability to sense pain is essential for...