Role of stellate cells in the morphogenesis of chronic pancreatitis

This review presents an analysis of the literature on the role of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, a predominant histological feature of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. It is shown that ethanol and toxic products of its metabolism can affect PSCs directly and indirectly, facilitating their transformation from a quiescent to an activated state. During the pathological process, PSCs interact with parenchymal and immune cells of the pancreas through cytokines and growth factors. In activated PSCs, the proliferative and migratory activity, as well as the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins increases. A continuous activation of PSCs during the disease promotes the maintenance of inflammation, the deposition of excessive amounts of ECM proteins and the development of pancreatic fibrosis.