Pancreatic stellate cell

Pancreatic stellate cells are connective tissue cells that are found in addition to other cell types in the pancreas ( pancreatic ) of mammals. Similar to the Ito cells of the liver have pancreatic stellate cells the property to transform itself from a dormant to an activated state.

At rest, pancreatic stellate cells are capable of storing fat and vitamin A. When activated, it myofibroblastäre acquire properties by producing actin fibers present inside the cell and allow for migration of the cell, and by producing components of the extracellular matrix of connective tissue, especially collagen fibers, which are then out of the cell in the interstitium are secreted.

In connection with diseases of the pancreas often takes a significant augmentation of existing connective tissue. Pancreatic stellate cells a significant role as producers of connective tissue fibers is attributed here. Furthermore, there is evidence that pancreatic stellate cells are involved in cancers of the pancreas out to create the actual cancer cells a favorable growth environment.