UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have uncovered the mechanism by which the stress hormone FGF21 keeps digestive enzymes from damaging the pancreas. FGF21 has a novel, unexpected role in stimulating the pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes into the intestine. The same FGF21 receptor complex found in the brain is also present in the pancreas, the organ located behind the stomach that makes enzymes used in digestion. There was no evidence of pancreatitis in those mice, only a significant increase in a number of pancreatic enzymes, and indications that having FGF21 helps clear those enzymes from the pancreas.
