Original ContributionsMast cell distribution and activation in chronic pancreatitis*
Section snippets
Patients and methods
Normal pancreatic tissue samples were obtained from 12 multiorgan donors (9 men and 3 women; median age, 42.5 years; range, 18 to 62 years). CP tissues were obtained from 46 patients (37 men and 9 women; median age, 46 years; range, 28 to 62 years) undergoing surgery for CP. In 31 patients (67%) a duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection was performed; 7 patients (15%) underwent a pancreatic left resection; in 5 patients (11%) a pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed, and in 3 patients (7%)
Histopathologic evaluation
Normal pancreatic tissue sections did not show any histopathological alteration. In most of the CP samples, a heterogeneous pattern of fibrosis adjacent to residual acinar parenchyma was observed. In 13 patients (28%), the area occupied by fibrous tissue was <30% of the total tissue area, in 18 patients (39%) it ranged between 30% and 60%, and in 15 patients (33%) it was >60%. Inflammatory infiltrates were mild in 11 sections (24%), moderate in 17 (37%), and intense in 18 (39%). Essentially, no
Discussion
Mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration is a constant finding in chronic pancreatitis tissues. Immunohistochemical characterization of these cell populations has shown a predominance of T lymphocytes and macrophages and a lower number of B lymphocytes and plasma cells.9 In this study, we show that mast cells are a relevant component of infiltrating inflammatory cells in CP. Several recent findings suggest that inflammatory cells are not just epiphenomena; instead, they play a true
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2021, Pharmacological ResearchCitation Excerpt :Mast cells are localized in the fibrotic areas and the residual acinar parenchyma, and they can accelerate inflammation infiltration in the progress of CP. Moreover, the localization of mast cells near regenerating ducts and degenerating acini indicates that they are also important in remodeling and tissue destruction in CP [77]. Although the number of mast cells has increased, they are mostly degranulated in AP but intact in PDAC.
The role of interleukin-18 in pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer
2019, Cytokine and Growth Factor ReviewsCitation Excerpt :The amount of mast cells is significantly increased in pancreatic tissue with CP compared to normal pancreatic tissue. They are localized around residual acinar tissue suggesting an association with the process of pancreatic destruction [109]. IL-18 was reported to induce intestinal mucosal mast cell accumulation synergistically with IL-12 [110].
Autophagy, Inflammation, and Immune Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Pancreatitis
2017, GastroenterologyCitation Excerpt :In acute inflammation, mast cells initiate and promote multi-organ failure, by disrupting endothelial barrier function in the pancreas and other organs. These cells are also implicated in chronic inflammatory processes with fibrous tissue deposition and in tissue destruction and remodeling.116 Transcription factors, such as NF-κB, STAT3, and nuclear factor of activated T cells, regulate activities of immune cells and their production of cytokines during the inflammatory response.
The role of mast cell in tissue morphogenesis. Thymus, duodenum, and mammary gland as examples
2016, Experimental Cell ResearchCitation Excerpt :In the hypophysis, MCs are present in the capsule and within the stroma [46], while in thyroid, parathyroid and pineal gland MCs are limited to the stroma, in the perivascular areas [32,46,62]. In pancreas, MCs are limited in the stroma in the immediate vicinity of the ducts [16]. In ovary, MCs are scarce within the cortex, but numerous in the medulla, while connective tissue and musculature of oviduct, uterus, and vagina is rich in MCs [42].
Scanning electron microscopic analysis of pancreatic tissue in alcoholic and tropical chronic pancreatitis
2015, PancreatologyCitation Excerpt :Bland periductal fibrosis with variable obstruction of pancreatic ducts are also seen in few cases. Chronic inflammatory cell infiltration along with mast cells is seen around both lobules and ducts [16] (Fig. 5D). Perineural and intraneural inflammation with hyperplasia of the nerves are also described.
Mast Cell Concentrations in Pancreatic Disease Processes
2024, Applied Immunohistochemistry and Molecular Morphology
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Address correspondence and reprint requests to Helmut Friess, MD, Department of General Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.