Describle the signaling pathways responsible for regulating the Research Paper

Describle the signaling pathways responsible for regulating the release of the pancreatic zymogens from the pancreatic acinar ce - Research Paper Example The paper highlights the presence of receptors and secretagogues that initiate the secretion of the zymogens. The main secreatagogues include the acetylcholine, cholecystokinin and other associated peptides. The paper also describes the mechanism of calcium ion signalling pathway in regulating secretion. Moreover, the paper provides details of the secretion mechanism, detailing all the mechanism and their regulation. Regulation of the pancreatic function in the acinar cells is complex, and scientists are yet to describe all the mechanisms in depth. Introduction The functioning of the pancreas presents complex pathways. The organ exhibits both exocrine and endocrine functions. The fact that the peculiar organ exhibits both of these function s has intrigued scientists to unveil the regulatory mechanism that govern its function. As expected, the organ has both neural and hormonal forms of regulation. Pancreatic duct cells secrete a combination of fluid and bicarbonate ions responsible f or the neutralization of gastric contents in the duodenum. Since this secretion involves a duct, it defines the exocrine function of the organ. On the other hand, the pancreas consists of four types of endocrine cells that secrete varying hormones. The alpha cells are responsible for glucagon secretion, while the beta cells produce insulin. In addition, there is production of somatostatin from delta cells, and pancreatic polypeptide from PP cells. Structural studies of the pancreas indicate an assembly of the endocrine cells in the islets. This paper will highlight the regulatory mechanisms of the acinar cells responsible for the secretion of the juices that play a role in digestion. Acinar cells of the pancreas bear the responsibility of synthesis and secretion of the numerous enzymes that aid in digestion of nutrients in the small intestine lumen. The critical function played by the digestive enzymes necessitates the availability of both short and long-term regulation. Such regula tion serves to ensure a supply of the enzymes after food intake. The regulation process requires the availability of receptors and secretagogues that initiate the secretion process (Husain, and Thrower 466-7). Receptors and Secretagogues The primary secretagogues responsible for initiating secretions from acinar cells are acetylcholine and cholecystokinin (CCK) (Wu et al 642). The vagal postganglionic neurons are responsible for the release of acetylcholine. On the other hand, CCK comes from the intestinal endocrine cells. Moreover, secretin, a secretagogue for initiating secretion in duct cells also plays a critical role in the acinar cells. There are numerous receptors for hormones, growth factors, and neurotransmitters in the acinar cells. Studies reveal that activity on these receptors influence the secretion patterns of the acinar cells. CCK has the potential of activating CCK receptors on the vagal afferent endings. Scientists have described the mechanism responsible for this activation as paracrine. Other studies have highlighted that CCK advances to the blood and exerts control on the contractile mechanisms of the gall bladder. This triggers emptying of the bladder. Animal studies have established that CCK receptors play a vital role in the acinar cells of rodents. However, studies are yet to confirm the role of the same in humans. In addition, the acinar cells exhibit effects of other peptides responsible for