Exocrine Pancreas

The exocrine pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine and provides a microenvironment for pancreatic islet cells that modulate blood glucose (among other functions). The exocrine pancreas is seldom a prominent target of acute or xenobiotic-induced toxicity in spite of several key observations, most notably (1) the close proximity to the small intestine and potentially toxic ingesta, (2) its unique function in producing most digestive enzymes, (3) its proximity to the common bile duct, bile salts, and acids that could inappropriately activate digestive enzymes, and (4) the inherent complexity of the organ, with prominent colocated endocrine and exocrine components. Epidemiologically, pancreatic injury has been associated with both a range of environmental pollutants and consumption of mycotoxins and has long-standing links to alcoholism and smoking tobacco in humans.