Pancreatic exocrine secretion

The term “pancreatic exocrine secretion” refers broadly to the production and release of digestive enzymes and bicarbonate-rich fluid by the pancreas into the duodenum. This function is carried out by specialized acinar cells that synthesize proenzymes such as trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen—which are activated in the gut—and by ductal epithelial cells that secrete bicarbonate via ion transporters like CFTR. The overall purpose is digestion—breaking down proteins, fats, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates—and neutralizing stomach acid entering the small intestine. Secretion is tightly regulated by hormones including cholecystokinin and secretin acting through G protein-coupled receptors on acinar/duct cells; neural input via acetylcholine also plays an important role. Disruption leads to clinical conditions such as chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis-related malabsorption.[2][3][4][5] “Pancreatic exocrine secretion” describes an essential physiological function—not an individual druggable molecule/receptor—so it should not be considered a canonical therapeutic target under standard pharmacological classification systems.[3][5]

Other names

Exocrine pancreatic secretionPancreatic juice secretionExocrine function of pancreas

For drugs that modulate this process indirectly: Inhibition of hormone-mediated stimulation (somatostatin analogs suppress CCK/secretin effects); Stimulation/inhibition via neural pathways affecting acinar cell GPCRs or ductal ion channels/receptors. Enzyme replacement therapy provides exogenous enzymes for digestion.