Mesenchymal Wt1 positive stellate cells represent a source of the fibrotic response in pancreatitis

Objectives Severe pancreatitis is accompanied by a strong fibrotic response characterized through the presence of activated myofibroblasts. Beside hematopoietic stem cells and resident fibroblasts, pancreatic stellate cells are traded as the main cell population giving rise to activated myofibroblasts. The origin of myofibroblasts is highly under debate and so far not successfully clarified. In vivo evidences that stellate cells are predominantly responsible for the stromal reaction are still missing.
Source: Pancreatology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Session 7. Progress in experimental pancreatitis - free papers Source Type: research