Mechanisms to explain pancreatic dysfunction in cystic fibrosis

This article focuses on three potential mechanisms by which pancreatic dysf unction occurs in cystic fibrosis. These include (1) obstruction of pancrea tic dubs by inspissated plugs, (2) inhibition of endocytosis in acinar cell s, and (3) imbalance in membrane lipids in cystic fibrosis regulated cells. Any of these abnormalities alone or in combination may explain the develop ment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.