Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Establishment of a Mouse Severe Acute Pancreatitis Model using Retrograde Injection of Sodium Taurocholate into the Biliopancreatic Duct
Published on: April 1, 2022
Ion channel dysfunction in acute pancreatitis: mechanisms, heterogeneity, and therapeutic prospects
Renhe Feng1, Ji Bei1, Zhiyuan Ma1
1Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563003, China.
Abstract:
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a life-threatening gastrointestinal disorder with rising global incidence and persistently high mortality, currently lacking disease-modifying therapies and resulting in substantial unmet clinical needs. Ion channel and transporter dysfunction is proposed as a convergent mechanistic link within a subset of etiologies, driving conserved pathological cascades such as intracellular calcium overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, secretory insufficiency, and systemic inflammation. Building upon prior studies of individual ion channels, this review systematically integrates current evidence within a network-centric framework to provide new insights into ion-mediated AP pathogenesis. Recognizing the etiological heterogeneity and translational barriers, this review emphasizes the convergent pathogenic role of ionic dysregulation in specific pathophysiological contexts and underscores the clinical potential of precision-targeted ion-modulating therapies for AP prevention and treatment.
Insights
Ion channel dysfunction contributes to acute pancreatitis (AP), a severe gastrointestinal disease. Targeting these ion channels offers potential for new AP treatments.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Physiology
- Molecular Biology and Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a critical gastrointestinal condition with increasing incidence and high mortality.
- Current treatments for AP lack disease-modifying capabilities, highlighting significant unmet clinical needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and integrate evidence on ion channel and transporter roles in AP pathogenesis.
- To explore the potential of ion-modulating therapies for AP prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review focusing on ion channel and transporter dysfunction in AP.
- Network-centric analysis of conserved pathological cascades driven by ionic dysregulation.
Main Results:
- Ion channel and transporter dysfunction is a convergent mechanism in various AP etiologies.
- Ionic dysregulation drives key pathological processes including calcium overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Ionic dysregulation plays a critical, conserved role in AP pathogenesis across different causes.
- Precision-targeted ion-modulating therapies represent a promising avenue for managing AP.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
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 I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
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:

