In vitro secretion of zymogens by bovine pancreatic acini and ultra-structural analysis of exocytosis

• Acinar cells are functional unit of pancreas.
• In vitro release of enzyme granules by exocytosis are well demonstrated.
• Amylase shares 86% protein identity with that of human.
• Acinar culture showed longer viability upto 20 days with normal cellular function.
• Useful culture model in understanding the acinar cell biology and physiology.

The aim of this study is to establish a bovine pancreatic acinar cell culture model with longer viability and functionality. The cells could be maintained in a functional state for upto 20 days with normal morphology. Cells were positive for amylase as observed by immunofluorescence staining. Acinar cells are spherical and range about 2–3 µm in diameter. The porosome formed by exocytosis and heterogenous enzyme granules of size ranging 100–300 nm were seen on the surface of cells by electron microscopy. The activity of the enzymes was high on day 15 and the activity profile of the enzymes is in the order: protease>lipase>amylase and the enzymes were identified by SDS-PAGE. Long-term culture of bovine pancreatic acini could be useful in studying the pathogenesis of pancreatitis. Since the bovine genome shares about 80% identity with the human genome, the cells derived from bovine pancreas can be engineered and used as a potential xenotransplant to treat conditions like pancreatitis as the tissue source is abundantly available.