Pancreatic blood flow and its regulation
Sendur, R.; Pawlik, W.W.
Przeglad Lekarski 51(5): 224-228
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0033-2240 PMID: 7938654 Document Number: 434267
Regulatory mechanisms of the pancreatic circulation include general hemodynamics, autonomic nervous system, circulating vasoactive peptides, hormones and certain autoregulatory properties of the pancreatic vasculature. The pancreatic response to sympathetic stimulation is a decrease in pancreatic blood flow (PBF) due to co-release of norepinephrine and NPY. In contrast parasympathetic stimulation increase PBF and this could be attributed to the co-release of acetylcholine, VIP, PHI, GRP and other neuropeptides. Neurotransmitters of the NANC system such as: SP, NK, SK, CCK, VIP, cGRP are also potent neurogenic vasodilatators of the pancreatic vasculature. Control of the pancreatic circulation is related, in part to the exocrine function of the gland. Several factors have been implicated as mediators of functional hyperemia in the pancreas. Among these factors are such low PO2, ions, kinins, PGs, nucleotides and gastrointestinal hormones. Recently endothelium-derived NO has been shown to play an important role in the mediation of the pancreatic vasodilation in response to various endogenous factors.