Nerve growth factor (NGF) regulates nerve growth and pain in chronic pancreatitis

Background and Methods: In the present study nerve growth factor (NGF) and its high affinity receptor (TrkA) were analyzed in the normal pancreas and in chronic pancreatitis. Results: There was a 7.5 fold increase of NGF mRNA and a 3.4 fold increase in TrkA. mRNA expression in chronic pancreatitis in comparison with normal controls (p < 0.01). Enhanced expression of NGF mRNA was present in metapla stic ductal cells, degenerating acinar cells and in acinar cells dedifferen tiating into tubular structures. TrkA mRNA expression was found in the peri neurium in the normal pancreas and to a higher degree in the enlarged nerve s of CP tissues. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated the respective proteins in the same tissue structures. There was a significant positive relationshi p between NGF and the degree of pancreatic fibrosis (r = 0.64), the degree of acinar cell damage (r = 0.74), and between TrkA and pain intensity (r = 0.84). Conclusions: These findings suggest a role of the NGF/TrkA pathway in nerve proliferation and in the pain syndrome in chronic pancreatitis.