Pathophysiological effects of nicotine on the pancreas: an update.

Epidemiological evidence strongly suggests an association between cigarette smoking and pancreatic diseases. It is well recognized that nicotine, a major component in cigarette smoke, is an addictive agent and, therefore, reinforces smoking behavior. The current review update focuses on the genetics of nicotine dependence and its role on the development of pancreatic diseases.

Alcohol, tobacco (nicotine) and pancreatic pathophysiology.

Current knowledge indicates that chronic use of alcohol is implicated in the etiology of chronic pancreatitis and probably in pancreatic cancer and that chronic use of tobacco is associated with pancreatic cancer and probably pancreatitis. Studies by others, and by us, support this knowledge. In addition, our studies suggest that nicotine, which is a major component and an additive component of tobacco, is probably a major factor in these pathological effects.

Mecamylamine, a nicotinic receptor channel antagonist, affects amylase secretion by isolated pancreatic acinar cells.

It is well established that CCK is a potent stimulator of amylase secretion from the pancreatic acinar cells, while nicotine is an effective inhibitor of such secretion. The present study was conducted to determine whether mecamylamine, a well-established ganglionic blocker drug, could influence amylase secretion from the pancreas. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fasted, sacrificed, the pancreas removed, and pancreatic acinar cells isolated and purified.

Effect of food restriction on plasma cholecystokinin levels and exocrine pancreatic function in rats.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of 10% food restriction on body weight, plasma cholecystokinin (CCK) levels, and exocrine pancreatic function in male Sprague-Dawley rats. A matched group of rats with unrestricted access to food served as controls. After ingesting the diets for 32 da, the rats were killed and blood obtained for plasma cholecystokinin, glucose, and insulin determinations.

Smoking and pancreatic disorders.

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer and probably pancreatitis. It has been reported that patients with chronic pancreatitis are 16 times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than normal individuals. Nicotine, a major component of tobacco and an addicted drug of abuse in humans, appears to play a role in the aetiology of both pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis.