STELLATE CELLS: A STAR PERFORMER IN PANCREATITIS

The natural history of acute pancreatitis is particularly fascinating—especially given the spectrum of the condition from mild inflammation to massive haemorrhagic necrosis. Zimmerman and colleagues have been interested in the regenerative process after necrotising pancreatitis, and studied surgical specimens to determine the key cells involved. They showed that regeneration was quite ordered. The process involved pancreatic stellate cells and their myofibroblast offspring. Although stellate cells are closely involved in pancreatic fibrosis, this study helps to clarify their role in acute severe injury.

See page 574

SLOW TRANSIT, SLICK STUDY

The general reader of this journal may not be well versed in gastrointestinal electrophysiology. One must hope that a real breakthrough in …