Морфологія (Jan 2010)
Pancreatic stellate cells as a morphological basis for the development of pancreatic fibrosis
Abstract
Last decade in Ukraine and many countries there is a clear tendency to increase the number of cases of pancreatic diseases. For more than century study of the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis it has been proposed many hypotheses. Some of them were eventually dismissed, partially confirmed by other clinical and experimental research. Significant progress in understanding the process of fibrosis in the pancreas is associated with the identification, isolation and description of pancreatic stellate cells. They present in periacinar space and have long cytoplasmic processes covered the basis of acinus. This cells can be changed from stable fat-storing to miofibroblastic phenotype. Pancreatic stellate cells perform a wide range of functions, they have the ability to contraction, proliferation, they can synthesize extracellular matrix components and influence on the surrounding cellular environment. These cells can be regarded as a morphological basis for the development of pancreatic fibrosis. Currently, for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis, the main therapy is directed on depression of secretory activity of pancreas and inactivation biogenic amines in blood. Treatment of chronic pancreatitis should aim to influence the key mechanisms of pancreatic stellate cells activation and proliferation. Understanding the biology of this cells can open potential therapeutic targets for treatment and prevention of chronic pancreatitis and other diseases accompanied by pancreatic fibrosis.
