Acinar cells of the pancreas produce and secrete digestive enzymes, which are secreted to the intestine by a branched ductal network. The bulk of the mature pancreas is comprised of acinar cells. Acinar cells are also involved in pathological processes and are the initiating cell type for precursor lesions of pancreatic cancer.
Acinar cells are pyramidal in shape, and quite large, reaching up to 30 micron in apical-to-basal height, and are characterized by a remarkably dense accumulation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, as well as an apical cytoplasm laden with secretory granules.
Ptf1a expression becomes restricted to acinar precursor cells by approximately E13.5. Acinar cell development is also dependent on pancreatic mesenchymal signalling.
EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT & STEM CELL COMPENDIUM
