Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer and probably
pancreatitis. It has been reported that patients with chronic pancreatitis
are 16 times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than normal individu
als. Nicotine, a major component of tobacco and an addicted drug of abuse i
n humans, appears to play a role in the aetiology of both pancreatic cancer
and pancreatitis. This review discusses major published reports pertaining
to the influence of nicotine on these diseases in humans and the probable
effects of nicotine on the pathophysiology of the pancreas in animal models
. A hypothetical pancreatic acinar cell model showing multiple signal trans
duction pathways is presented relating to possible mechanisms of action of
nicotine on the pathophysiology of the pancreas. (C) 2000 Lippincott Willia
ms & Wilkins.