Acute pancreatitis is primarily due to autodigestion of the pancreas by enzymes released from damaged what type of cells?

Acute pancreatitis is primarily caused by the autodigestion of the pancreas, which occurs due to the inappropriate activation of pancreatic enzymes within the organ itself. These enzymes are secreted by acinar cells, which are specialized exocrine cells in the pancreas responsible for producing digestive enzymes like amylase, lipase, and proteases.

When there is damage to these acinar cells, either from factors such as gallstones, chronic alcohol consumption, or other insults, these enzymes can become activated prematurely. The resulting autodigestion leads to inflammation and damage to pancreatic tissue, manifesting as acute pancreatitis.

In contrast, islet cells primarily produce hormones such as insulin and glucagon, and their dysfunction is more associated with diabetes rather than pancreatitis. Beta cells, a type of islet cell, specifically focus on insulin production, and ductal cells contribute to the transport of digestive enzymes, but they are not the source of the enzymes that lead to autodigestion in acute pancreatitis. Understanding the role of acinar cells is crucial in comprehending the pathophysiology of pancreatitis.