Exocrine Pancreas

Question 1

Cell types of the exocrine pancreas

Answer 1

• acinar cell
• centroacinar cell
• intralobular duct
• interlobular duct

Question 2

This image shows a special type of dead end nerves surrounding the pancreas, a normal finding no to be confused with pathology. What are these called?

Answer 2

Pacinian Corpuscles

Question 3

What is the function of bicarbonate (HCO3) from the pancreas?

Answer 3

To buffer acidic stomach contents in the duodenum

Question 4

What happens if HCO3 production/secretion is impaired?

Answer 4

Decreased duodenal pH
(acidosis)

Question 5

What condition can occur when there is a decrease in pancreatic enzymes?

Answer 5

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
(EPI)

Question 6

What is a condition that can occur when there is activation of pancreatic enzymes INSIDE the pancreas?

Answer 6

Acute Pancreatic Necrosis
(Pancreatitis)

Question 7

What are the 4 responses of the pancreas to injury?

Answer 7

• Atrophy
• Necrosis
• Inflammation
• Fibrosis

Question 8

What causes pancreatic exocrine atrophy?

Answer 8

Common response to many injuries
* starvation
* neoplasia
* duct obstruction
* necrosis
* inflammation

Question 9

What causes pancreatic necrosis?

Answer 9

Common response to injury
* duct obstruction
* direct acinary injury

pathogenesis not completely understood

Question 10

Systemic effects of pancreatic necrosis

Answer 10

Circulating proteases then activate the:
* Kinin system
* Coagulation system
* Fibrinolytic system
* Complement system
* Shock
* Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
* Systemic inflammatory reaction syndrome (SIRS)

Question 11

True/False

Fat necrosis is a common finding with pancreatic necrosis

Answer 11

True

Question 12

What 3 lesions seen in Triaditis, a common condition seen in cats?

Answer 12

• Pancreatitis
• Cholangitis
• Enteritis

Question 13

What are the causes of pancreatic inflammation?

Answer 13

• Acute - in response to necrosis or ascending infection
• Chronic - lymphocytes and plasma cells, with or without fibrosis
• Chronic-active

Question 14

What are the causes of pancreatic fibrosis?

Answer 14

• Previous bouts of necrosis or inflammation
• Usually incidental

Question 15

3 Categories of Exocrine Panceratic Disease

Answer 15

• Congenital & Inherited - hypoplasia, atrophy (EPI), ectopic pancreatic tissue (incidental)
• Necrosis & Inflammation - common cause of illness/death in dogs
• Hyperplasia & Neoplasia

Question 16

Why is is theorized that cats are more susceptible to Triaditis than other species?

Answer 16

Cats have shared common bile duct, while dogs have separate bile and pancreatic ducts. The shared common duct in cats may make it easier for the concurrent lesions seen in Triaditis.