Work package #8

Work package #8: Pancreas in health and disease (Gastroenterology Group, Department of Internal Medicine)
WP leader: Prof. M. Lerch

Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common diseases in gastroenterology. The incidence of acute pancreatitis per 100,000 population ranges from 10 to 46 per year. 2.4% of all patients admitted to hospital are diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Mortality even in the 21st century for a benign disease ranges up to 36%. Unraveling the pathomechanism of pancreatitis will allow more effective treatment strategies. Genetic studies where mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) are associated with the development of recurrent bouts of pancreatitis point to a new distinct pathomechanism. CFTR is expressed on pancreatic acinar cells, ductal cells as well as neutrophils, all of which have been shown to be critically involved in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis. Mutations in the CFTR gene imply a disturbed chloride current resulting in decreased bicarbonate secretion as well as disturbed exocytosis. These processes can be best investigated on a subcellular level by employing a longitudinal two-photon microscope in combination with fluorescent dyes.