Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
A Simple and Rapid Method for Simultaneous Isolation of Primary Islets and Primary Pancreatic Acinar Cells from Mice
Published on: January 9, 2026
Autoimmune pancreatitis
Petr Dite1, Hana Nechutova, Magdalena Uvirova
1Academic Center of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Ostrava and Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic.
Introduction:
Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is the specific type of chronic pancreatitis due to autoimmune background and mechanism.
Characteristics:
The main clinical symptoms of AIP are obstructive jaundice and abdominal discomfort. The typical histological findings are lymphocytes and IgG4 plasma cells infiltration, fibrosis and venulitis within pancreatic gland. Plasma level of IgG4 is usually extremely high.
Diagnosis:
High level IgG4 positive plasma cells in serum, lymphoplasmatic infiltration found on histological staining of pancreatic tissue, "sausage-like" pancreas in ultrasound and CT scans, and response to steroid therapy are crucial for making of diagnosis. Classification of AIP: AIP can be classified into two subtypes. Type 1 was recognized as the pancreatic manifestation of multiorgan disorder, called IgG4 related disease. Type 2 is a pancreas-specific disorder not associated with IgG4, with similar histological signs as type 1, but also with the positivity of GEL (granulocythic epithelial lesion).
Therapy:
Due to its high effectivity in AIP treatment, steroid therapy is the first-line option. The alternative therapy is using immunosuppressants (azathioprine). Recently, there are also first experience in biological therapy already published.
Conclusion:
Before the start of AIP therapy - the differential diagnosis between pancreatic cancer and AIP is essential.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
01:24Chronic 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...
01:21Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
01:25Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
01:27Acute 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:
01:17Gastritis-II: Pathophysiology
In acute gastritis, the gastric mucosa becomes swollen and red and undergoes superficial erosion. Superficial ulceration may lead to bleeding.
In chronic gastritis, persistent or repeated insults lead to chronic inflammatory changes and, eventually, thinning or atrophy of the gastric tissue.
Gastritis can stem from various causes, each...