Abstract
Low concentrations of ethanol (0.3-30mM) directly augment pancreatic ductal fluid secretion stimulated by physiological (1pM) and pharmacological (1nM) concentrations of secretin, which appears to be mediated by the activation of both the intracellular cAMP pathway and Ca2+ mobilization. Lower concentrations of ethanol in the stomach stimulate gastric acid secretion. When gastric acid enters the duodenum, it stimulates pancreatic fluid and bicarbonate secretion by releasing secretin from the duodenal mucosa. In the presence of 1mM ethanol (a concentration observed after normal alcohol consumption), a physiological concentration of secretin (1-10pM) causes a significant increase of pancreatic fluid secretion from interlobular ducts. In the presence of highly viscous pancreatic juice, protein plug, or intraductal stones, ethanol-induced fluid hypersecretion would elevate the intraductal pressure in the proximal part of the duct, leading to edema formation around acini.
