Pancreatic duct glands are distinct ductal compartments that react to chronic injury and mediate Shh-induced metaplasia.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) are pancreatic cancer precursor lesions of unclear origin and significance. PanIN aberrantly express sonic hedgehog (Shh), an initiator of pancreatic cancer, and gastrointestinal mucins. A majority of PanIN are thought to arise from ducts. We identified a novel ductal compartment that is gathered in gland-like outpouches (pancreatic duct glands [PDG]) of major ducts and characterized its role in injury and metaplasia.

Methods

The ductal system was analyzed in normal pancreata and chronic pancreatitis in humans and mice. Anatomy was assessed by serial hematoxylin and eosin sections and scanning electron microscopy of corrosion casts. Expression of mucins and developmental genes and proliferation were assessed by i

SUBMITTER: Strobel O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3806111 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature