CFTR Chloride Channels and Pancreatic Ductal Bicarbonate Secretion

Abstract

The main function of pancreatic duct cells is to secrete a HC03--rich isotonic fluid (Fig. 1). This secretion flushes digestive enzymes, secreted by acinar cells located at the termini of the smallest ducts, along the ductal tree and into the duodenum (Fig. 1). It also neutralises acid chyme entering the duodenum from the stomach and thus helps to create the correct luminal environment for the digestion of food in the gut (Case amp; Argent, 1993: Argent amp; Case, 1994).