Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society
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J. Physiol. Pharmacol. · Jul 2004
Comparative StudyUsefulness of p16 and K-ras mutation in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and chronic pancreatitis differential diagnosis.
The differentiation of chronic pancreatitis (CP) from pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) remains a great challenge. The purpose of the study was to compare the prevalence of p16 and K-ras mutation in PA and CP in order to evaluate their usefulness in differential diagnosis of those diseases. ⋯ It is suggested that simultaneous measurement of K-ras and p16 mutations may provide an additional tool in differential diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
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J. Physiol. Pharmacol. · Jul 2004
Comparative StudyModulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion by melatonin and its precursor; L-tryptophan. Role of CCK and afferent nerves.
Melatonin, a pineal hormone, is also produced in the gastrointestinal tract. Melatonin receptors have been detected in the stomach, intestine and pancreas. This indole inhibits insulin secretion but its role in the physiological modulation of exocrine pancreatic function is yet unknown. ⋯ Deactivation of sensory nerves by capsaicin or administration of CCK(1) - receptor antagonist; tarazepide, reversed the stimulatory effects of melatonin or L-tryptophan on pancreatic secretory function. Administration of melatonin or its amino-acid precursor to the rats resulted in the significant and dose-dependent rises of melatonin and CCK plasma levels. We conclude that melatonin or its precursor; L-tryptophan stimulates pancreatic enzyme secretion via stimulation of CCK release and activation of duodeno-pancreatic reflexes.