Pancreatic Toxicology

Pancreatic toxicity or pancreatitis can be caused by a large number of etiological agents and disease conditions. Exocrine pancreas is the major component of the pancreas and often a target of chemical or drug toxicity. Pancreas is also capable of metabolizing or biotransforming the chemicals and drugs. Therefore, generation of reactive intermediate(s) and metabolite(s) can also be causative agents for pancreatic toxicity or pancreatitis. Overall, biliary duct disease and chronic alcohol abuse are the two major etiologies of pancreatitis as classified in two broad categories: acute and chronic pancreatitis. However, the mechanism(s) of such pancreatic injuries is not well understood. Only a small percentage of cases of pancreatic injury could be related to chemical exposure, use of drugs, or pesticide poisoning. Acute pancreatic injury or pancreatitis is generally hemorrhagic and revolves itself or after therapy. However, chronic pancreatitis leads to a slow destruction of the gland resulting in insufficiency of exocrine and endocrine functions and their secretions. For detection of early stage pancreatic injury and developing effective therapeutic or remedial measures, it is necessary to understand the mechanism(s) of pancreatic injury and determine its specific and sensitive biomarkers.