Canine Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency: A Review

Introduction Pancreas is one of the vital viscera in the body, which has both Endocrine (Insulin, glucagon & somatostatin) and Exocrine (Pancreatic Juice) functions. Exocrine functions include digestion and breakdown of ingesta (by digestive pancreatic enzymes), absorption of cyanocobalamin/Vitamin B12 (intrinsic factor), regulation of intestinal bacteria homeostasis (Antimicrobial Peptides), Pancreas secretes antimicrobial proteins that consist about 10% of the proteins in the pancreatic juice (Medveczky P et al., 2009). Pancreatic juice contains Bicarbonate ions and water (buffers and maintain pH of gut). The pH of the pancreatic secretions is alkaline due to a very high concentration of NaHCO3 (up to 140 mM). At least one major function of the NaHCO3 is to neutralize the acidic pH of the gastric chyme delivered to the intestine from the stomach. A neutral pH in the intestinal lumen is necessary for optimal function of digestive enzymes as well as gastrointestinal surface epithelial function (Pandol SJ, 2010). Pancreas also secretes mucous (from goblet cells of pancreatic duct) and some trophic factors.